HE has shed 10kg in the past five months, but Jack the deaf Border collie is hoping the New Year will bring him much more than a thinner frame.The eight-year-old has been in a rescue home since the summer and is still desperate to find a new home.

HE has shed 10kg in the past five months, but Jack the deaf Border collie is hoping the New Year will bring him much more than a thinner frame.

The eight-year-old has been in a rescue home since the summer and is still desperate to find a new home.

Jack has been living at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Felixstowe since August but has so far been overlooked by potential owners because he is deaf.

It is the second time in his life he has been taken in by a rescue home but animal welfare workers are hoping 2008 will bring him the loving family he deserves.

Julia Ferguson, animal welfare assistant at the High Street-based centre, said: “He has already been through rescue once. He was re-homed when he was five months old. He's eight now and came to us in August.

“He came in rather chubby. It turned out he had an under-active thyroid but has now lost 10kg. He's learnt hand signals to sit down, retrieve a ball and give his paw.

“He's a lovely boy. He's easy to live with in the house and is very quiet and affectionate. He loves to play with his ball.

“It was sad to see him here at Christmas. People seem to be put off by deaf dogs but it's not really a problem. He's very pretty and handsome and deserves a good home.”

Jack would fit in well with families with a dog already and would be happiest with teenage children rather than the very young.

“He's not a very active collie and two half-hour walks a day will be enough for him,” said Julia.

Anyone wanting to provide a home for Jack or any other rescued dog or cat can call the centre on 01394 283254.