Can you offer Jay a home?

Jay, a nine-year-old West Highland terrier was taken in by the RSPCA on January 30 after his owners – an elderly Leicester couple – were unable to keep caring for him.

Owing to skin problems he has no hair, has bad eyesight and a habit of barking, poor Jay has found it difficult to find a new home.

Like many Westies, Jay has suffered with skin problems from a young age, despite having been well cared for throughout his life.

He is currently at the RSPCA’s centre in Macclesfield where he waits for a new owner.

Any potential owner would need to apply his skin cream and eye drops every day, as well as give him other medication. He is partially sighted due to his age and the animal charity said Jay could be ‘rather vocal’, including when his owners were on the phone.

Jay occasionally made a mess at home so any new owner will want to take him for regular walks or toilet breaks in the garden to manage this.

Carmen Cole, from the RSPCA, said: “Jay has been well cared for his whole life but, sadly, due to skin problems and allergies has been left fur-less.

“Unfortunately these can be common issues in West Highland terriers.

“Despite being closely monitored and managed by vets, Jay has lost almost all of his fur – except for some tufts on his ears and some fluff around his muzzle“We just hope that prospective adopters won’t be put off by his rather unusual appearance.”

The hairless pooch required veterinary care upon arrival and continues to do so.

His new owners will need to provide him with ongoing care. This includes eye drops for dry eye which is permanent, and cream which he has massaged into his skin daily.

More recently, the RSPCA say he’s had a steroid spray for his paws and Piriton for his allergies but he has been neutered and is fully vaccinated as well as being already microchipped.

To find out more email rehoming@rspca-macclesfield.org.uk or ring 01625 669620.