An affectionate dog who is as big as a baby elephant is looking for a forever home after spending almost a year in the care of the RSPCA. 

Four-year-old Milo is on the search for new owners after he was removed from his previous household by inspectors. 

The 53kg dog was taken to the RSPCA Suffolk Central branch in Martlesham back in March 2023.

Ipswich Star: Milo at the RSPCA branchMilo at the RSPCA branch (Image: RSPCA)

Staff at the centre says Milo is so nervous that finding a new home for him is becoming tough.  

Senior kennel assistant Lucy Calver said: “Milo hasn’t had the best start in life and he was terrified of everyone and everything when he arrived here.

“We have spent almost a year working with him and helping him to gain confidence; he’s made big improvements. However he still gets worried by loud sounds, bad weather, new environments and people he doesn’t know.

“Milo needs a special home with adopters who are happy for him to be a home bird, while continuing with the positive reward-based training we’ve been doing with him. Any adopter will need to slowly and positively expose him to the world outside so it isn’t too overwhelming for him.

“We believe he has spent his whole life in unsuitable conditions which has triggered this intense anxiety and it’s heartbreaking to see him struggle now that he has a chance to have a happy life.

“Milo is so affectionate with the people he trusts. He will nudge your hand until you stroke him and tries to sit in your lap, even though he doesn’t fit.

"He loves cheese and really enjoys zooming around the garden as well as learning new tricks and skills.

“But he finds walks very worrying so his new owners will need to slowly build up to take him out and about."

Milo is looking for a big home in a quiet, rural setting as he will need to spend a lot of time getting to know his surroundings before venturing out.