UK - He was kept in total darkness for a long time, but now he's finally searching for his forever home: The story of dog Jude is touching hearts from across the pond!

According to the British RSPCA animal welfare organization, the nine‑year‑old Lurcher was rescued from an estate that had no clean water, sleeping areas, or electricity.

The property was also said to be full of hazards. Jude, however, was not the only animal freed during the rescue: Eight other pups and several snakes were also saved from the site.

When the frightened dog entered the care of the rescue team, he had a lot to learn. Jude didn't even know what a toy was, didn't recognize his own name, and struggled to walk on a leash.

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Caretaker Hayley Proud explained that the staff had to start from scratch with Jude, treating him like a puppy.

She told the BBC, "He would literally shut down and collapse to the floor when he was overwhelmed with the real world, but now he's come a long way."

In a Facebook post, the shelter team wrote: "It's almost a year since Jude joined us, and thanks to a dedicated team effort, he's learned how to navigate the world and discover the joy of simply being a dog.

"Now, he's put his past behind him and loves nothing more than zoomies and sofa cuddles!"

The four‑legged friend has now been waiting in the shelter for over 420 days for a new home. The staff is desperate to finally find a loving family for Jude.

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These days, the dog is outgoing, enjoys time with people, and would most love a home with a yard.

"He's a sprinter. He'll have his five- to 10-minute zoomie time, and that will be enough," Proud said.

"All he wants is companionship and love," she added.

According to the animal‑rights organization, Jude's former owners were convicted of animal‑welfare violations and received a ten‑year ban on keeping any animals.