Loving dog spends life searching for home after being overlooked | UK | News

He has dedicated his entire life to finding a forever home – but keeps being passed over because of his disability.

Five-year-old Balu, a crossbreed, has been characterised as a “gentle, loving character” who becomes incredibly loyal once he gets to know you.

In 2023, he was saved from the streets and underwent surgery to repair fractured bones in his legs. While he gets around comfortably and experiences no discomfort, the ordeal has left him with a distinctive spring in his step.

Balu, who is presently in Portugal, is available for adoption through Miracle’s Mission and looking for a UK home in 2026.

A statement reads: “He is a little shy with new people but when he knows you, he wants cuddles and love and will stick to your hip like glue!

“He is typical of the pointer breed, eager and curious to explore outdoors, affectionate and loving with people.

“Balu is playful and social with other dogs. He lives in the same kennel box with another female dog.

“He will need some support to learn about the world outside the shelter routine.”

Portuguese veterinarians have exhausted every available treatment to enhance his movement – but they are convinced he would thrive with hydrotherapy once settled in his UK home.

The statement adds: “He is great with all dogs. Balu has a permanent mobility impairment to his front leg but walks and runs well on it.

“Travel fees of approximately £820 apply for Balu. That is just what it costs to get him over it’s a very long way by road. A short payment plan can be arranged while we are preparing him for travel.”

Despite the adoption profile of Balu being shared on Miracle’s Mission Facebook page, no potential adopters have expressed their interest so far.

Miracle’s Mission is a UK registered charity dedicated to animal welfare, primarily operating in the UK, Borneo and Egypt.

The charity stated: “Miracle’s Mission was founded by a board of trustees in 2015, after a trip to Borneo raised awareness of the severity of the street dog population. Working with animal shelters over there, it became apparent that while these shelters were caring for the animals, the root cause was yet to be addressed.

“Allowing un-neutered cats and dogs to roam the streets meant that puppies and kittens were being born onto the streets at an alarming rate, with a grim life ahead of them.

“Therefore Miracle’s Mission came into existence with the main aim to neuter stray animals on the streets of Borneo and decrease the population of dogs and cats suffering.”

If you’re interested in giving Balu a new home, contact Miracle’s Mission via miraclesmission.org.