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The RSPCA in Coventry is looking to rehome a very special dog who has not had any interest from potential adopters.
Holly, an eight-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, is a hermaphrodite – meaning she has both male and female reproductive organs.
Danni Holder, kennel supervisor at the branch, said: “Canine hermaphrodites are very rare, so Holly is a very special dog to us. This doesn’t cause Holly any physical issues or difficulties, but it might put people off from adopting her. It absolutely shouldn’t though, as Holly is such a lovely and friendly dog.
“She is very playful and loves going out for walks. She has been with us since the end of last year, so we’d really love to find a home for her soon.
“Holly has such a big ‘Staffie smile’ which is infectious. We have fallen in love with her and we think she would be a wonderful dog to have at home.”
RSPCA chief vet James Yeates said: “Hermaphrodites have both ovaries and testicles and this is rare. Some of these animals have a mixture of genes in their cells.
“It is more common for some males to have some female genitalia and undescended testicles, known as hermaphrodites. But it is also possible to get females with some male organs which would be known as pseudohermaphrodites.”
For more information about Holly, visit http://www.rspca-coventryandnuneaton.org.uk/animals. Anyone who is interested in adopting Holly should contact the branch on 024 7633 6616, or email enquiries@rspca-coventryandnuneaton@org.uk.