A DESPERATE plea to find a home for a depressed dog at Chard’s Ferne Animal Sanctuary has left staff delighted.

Jasper, a five-year-old male neutered English springer spaniel, was a resident at the shelter Wambrook but after six months he started showing signs of depression.

This sparked an appeal from staff at Ferne Animal Sanctuary highlighting his plight and asking the public for help finding Jasper a home.

Tara Nirula, rehoming manager, said: “Everyone here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary is delighted that Jasper has finally found a new home after being with us for so long – and with such a lovely owner who can give him all the care and attention he needs.

“It has made our year. We are over the moon.

“I must sincerely thank all the local, regional and national press who helped us in our quest to find Jasper the perfect home.

“Special thanks must also go to the general public for their caring messages of support and encouragement.

“We had more than 600 enquiries and so many kind offers to give him a new home.

“I really can’t express to everyone how grateful we are.”

Jasper’s new home has seen him leave South Somerset to settle in with his happy owner in Gloucester.

Robert Butler said: “I am so happy to have found Jasper and it is just great having him here with me.

“He has settled in so well and seems very content.

“We are enjoying some lovely long walks together and are getting to know one another more each day.

“Jasper is my constant companion and follows me around everywhere.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary has been saving the lives of unwanted and abandoned animals for 75 years and provides care and refuge for unwanted domestic and farm animals.

To find out more about the Ferne Animal Sanctuary, including upcoming events and how to become a volunteer, visit ferneanimalsanctuary.org or call 01460 65214.