A dog who would hide in the corner of his kennel and tremble whenever anyone went near him has blossomed into a happy, friendly pooch - but is now desperate for a home.

Ernie, two, has been in the care of the RSPCA for 479 days and has not yet found his perfect match.

The team at the RSPCA’s Mount Noddy Animal Centre, in Eartham, near Chichester, have gained his trust and showed him how to love again and now they are anxious to find him a wonderful new home.

The team at RSPCA Mount Noddy want Ernie to find his forever homeThe team at RSPCA Mount Noddy want Ernie to find his forever home (Image: RSPCA)

Manager Susan Botherway said: “When Ernie first came to us he was terrified, he didn’t want to interact with us and didn’t trust us at all. He’d cower in the corner of his kennel and tremble from head to toe, it was utterly devastating to see him so frightened.

“He’s still a sensitive soul and takes his time getting to know new people but once he trusts you he’s an absolutely lovely dog. He’s cuddly, playful and incredibly affectionate.

“He has lots of doggy friends here at the centre but they keep finding new homes and heading off to start their new lives and he gets left behind. It really is his turn to have his happy ever after moment.”

Ernie is now cuddly and playfulErnie is now cuddly and playful (Image: RSPCA)

READ MORE: 5 pets from RSPCA Brighton looking for their forever homes

Ernie, thought to be a husky labrador cross, arrived at Mount Noddy in March 2023 after being passed around multiple homes.

Ernie used to tremble when anyone went near himErnie used to tremble when anyone went near him (Image: RSPCA)

Susan added: “While Ernie is bouncy and fun-loving when he’s in surroundings he’s familiar with, he can find new places and new experiences quite scary. His new family will need to be patient with him.

“Due to his shy nature, any potential adopters will also need to come to the centre to meet him several times so he can learn to trust them.

“He’s a really active boy who will love the opportunity to go on walks and he’ll benefit from further training to help with his lead walking. We think he’d be best in an adult home with a lovely big garden to explore and with owners who will initially be around a lot of the time to help him settle in. He could live with another dog as he loves being around his four-legged friends.”