‘1,000 days waiting’: Appeal to find rural home for Ballymena dog who has spent most of his life in kennels

Three-year-old Border Collie Cross Olly at Dogs Trust Ballymena is searching for his forever home

A young dog who has spent almost his entire life in kennels in Ballymena is still waiting for someone to take him home, as a fresh appeal is launched ahead of a stark milestone next month.

Three-year-old Border Collie Cross Olly is set to reach 1,000 days in the care of Dogs Trust Ballymena, having arrived as a puppy and never finding a lasting match despite early interest.

The centre says his long wait highlights the challenge faced by intelligent, high-energy dogs who need the right environment, with Olly specifically suited to rural life and an experienced, active owner.

A lifetime in kennels

Olly first came into Dogs Trust care as a puppy and was quickly adopted, but his time in a home proved short-lived when his lively and intelligent nature did not suit his adopters’ circumstances.

Since then, the Ballymena rehoming centre has effectively become his home, with staff caring for him throughout his formative years while continuing the search for a permanent placement.

Despite what the charity describes as his “dazzling good looks”, playful personality and strong intelligence, Olly has yet to find the right person willing and able to meet his needs.

Appeal for the right match

Conor O’Kane, Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said the team is now urging people who enjoy rural living and want an intelligent, active companion to come forward.

He said:

“We are appealing to anyone who is a dog person, who enjoys rural life and wants an intelligent dog, to come and meet Olly. As Olly has been with us for most of his life, we know him so well, and we can’t praise him highly enough. But we don’t want people just to take our word for it.

“We are inviting dog lovers to come and meet him and find out for themselves how fantastic he is.”

Staff say Olly’s personality stands out immediately, describing him as affectionate, energetic and highly trainable, with a strong desire to learn and stay mentally engaged.

He already knows a range of commands and tricks and continues to build on these, making him particularly suited to owners interested in training or enrichment activities such as scent work.

A very specific home needed

However, the charity stresses that Olly’s next home must meet clear requirements to give him the best chance of settling successfully.

He will need an adult-only household with no visiting children, and a quiet, countryside setting where he can enjoy long walks and a more relaxed environment.

Given the length of time he has spent in kennels, the adoption process will also be more gradual than usual, involving multiple visits to the rehoming centre followed by home visits from staff to support his transition.

Open doors for potential adopters

Dogs Trust Ballymena is encouraging anyone interested to visit the centre and meet Olly in person, with no appointment required.

The site is open to the public five days a week, offering the chance to see dogs currently looking for homes, speak with staff, and begin the adoption process.

Further details about Olly and other dogs in care can be found online at: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/ballymena

The charity says there are hundreds of dogs across its network still waiting for homes, but for Olly, the hope is that the next person through the gates could finally be the one who takes him home for good.

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At a glance

• Border Collie Cross Olly has spent nearly 1,000 days in kennels at Dogs Trust Ballymena

• He arrived as a puppy and has lived at the centre for most of his life

• A previous adoption broke down due to his high energy and intelligence

• He is described as playful, affectionate and highly trainable

• Olly needs an adult-only home with no visiting children

• A rural setting is essential, with space for long walks and activity

• Adoption will involve multiple visits and home support from staff

• Dogs Trust Ballymena is open five days a week with no appointment needed

• More information available via the Dogs Trust Ballymena website