A GERMAN Shepherd is set to spend his first Christmas at home having spent almost a year in the care of Dogs Trust.

Dakota, a seven-year-old German Shepherd, arrived at Dogs Trust Basildon on March 17 last year and enjoyed working with the training team.

He has come on ‘leaps and bounds’ particularly with his positive reinforcement training and he is great at doing ‘paw’.

Finally, after visiting his new family’s home and enjoying a visit from them at the centre, Dakota found a loving permanent home on January 17 this year.

Now, almost a year on, Dakota is loving life in a comfy home, and he is looking forward to spending a first Christmas with his forever family.

Lisa Cooper, Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Basildon, said: “We are all so pleased that Dakota settled so nicely with his new family – I can’t believe it has been almost a year.

“Dakota put in lots of work with our training team, and it was clear he is a clever boy.

“He came on leaps and bounds during his time here, and we are so happy he’s settled with his forever family – what a fantastic success story.”

Dakota is known for playing with his fluffy toys which brings a smile to everyone’s face.

To learn more about the work Dogs Trust Basildon is doing visit dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/essex.