AN 18-YEAR-old rescue dog is celebrating her 15th anniversary of finding her 'forever home'.

Jessie, an 18-year-old terrier cross arrived at Dogs Trust Darlington’s Sadberge-based rehoming centre as a puppy in 2001.

Steven Bellas, who was visiting the centre from his home in New Marske, in East Cleveland, took Jessie in as his own on January 13, 2002, and the pair have lived in the countryside ever since.

Mr Bellas said: “Jessie has been a great companion over the last 15 years and is still going strong today.

“She might be 18 years of age, but in dog terms that makes her over 100 years old.

“I’m sure Jessie would agree that she owes her youthful looks to getting lots of fresh countryside air and exercise over the years.”

Sue Embleton, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Darlington, said: “We love keeping in touch with families who have adopted from us because it’s always great to hear about how their family pet is getting on in their new home.

“Jessie is a wonderful example of how a happy home can provide the most fulfilling life for a dog, however there are plenty of dogs at our rehoming centre who are desperate to find their forever homes.”

For more information on Dogs Trust Darlington or to rehome a dog, visit dogstrust.org.uk or call 0300-3030292.