A LOVEABLE eight-week-old puppy has become a record-breaking canine at a Darlington rehoming centre after being the 500th dog to be taken in by new owners in 2017.

The adoption of crossbreed Tigger from Dogs Trust Darlington marks a record number of hounds given new homes within a one month period, contributing to the overall figure of 500 successful rehomings.

A Dogs Trust Darlington spokesman said: “The 500th dog to go home was an eight-week-old crossbreed puppy named Tigger who was adopted by a lovely local family.”

Canine carers at the Sadberge-based centre have thanked players of the People’s Postcode Lottery in recent months, with funds being donated to support extra staff and new dog agility equipment for outdoor playtime.

Since 2014, more than £4.3m has been raised for Dogs Trust residents nationally.

However, several puppies and dogs are still in need of new homes in Darlington after being rescued or left at the centre throughout 2016 and 2017.

For more information on canines available to rehome, call 03003-030292 or visit dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/darlington