Lionel is looking for his only luve…

A poetic soul named Lionel Longlegs, who is currently living at Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre, has had a poem penned in his honour in the hope it might lead to him meeting “his only luve”. 

As the celebration of Burns takes place today on his birthday, and the Bard wrote about two dogs in ‘The Twa Dogs’ and ‘luve’ in ’A Red, Red, Rose’, it’s the perfect time to share Lionel’s story. 

Three-year-old Lionel is described by Dogs Trust staff as having a heart as expansive as the Scottish Highlands. One of his Canine Carers Jill McLees, who is an aspiring Poet, put pen to paper about the special Lurcher.   

• “My name is Lionel Longlegs and if only I was a man, I’d be able to read Rabbie Burns without needing a helping hand.
• I really am a wonderful boy, I’ve got so much love in my heart,
• I’m looking for my special person, from whom I’ll never part”. 

Kim McNeill, Assistant Manager Administration at Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre said: “Lionel is a very loving and loyal dog who has a big heart. He thrives in the company of his favourite humans and once you meet him, you can’t help but fall in love with him.   

“With Burns Night approaching, we knew we had to tell the world about him in the hope his forever family might spot him.  In his poetry Rabbie Burns writes about being deeply in love with his wife and we know the feeling having lost our hearts to Lionel. He is a tender-hearted, playful boy who adores the great outdoors, snuggles with human friends, and revels in the simple joys of life. 

“We hope anyone looking for a canine companion who will be on their side, and by their side through thick and thin will consider Lionel as he has so much love to give.” 

www.dogstrust.org.uk/westcalder You will see he is described as an ‘underdog’. This is the term given to any dog who has spent more than six months in Dogs Trust Care.