A dog rescued from a frozen lake in Ilford is still looking for a new home eight months on.

A Redbridge dog warden saw the two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier and pulled her out of the cold water in South Park, South Park Road, in January.

Staff at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London checked her over and discovered she had been microchipped, and that her name was Dolly.

But after a call to what they thought would be her anxious owners, they were told the dog was now owned by someone else.

But a search for Dolly’s home drew a blank.

Eight months on and she is still being cared for in the rescue centre.

Rehoming and welfare assistant Hannah McKechnie, who has been caring for Dolly at Battersea, said: “No one knows how she ended up in the cold lake, but she must have been very scared.

“Dolly spent some time in Battersea’s clinic while she got back to full health, and has hopefully now forgotten her ordeal, but after 250 days in kennels she has yet to find a new owner.” “She is a wonderful dog, she is really fun and giggly and loves being with people. She knows commands like ‘sit’ and ‘paw’, so she is a clever girl.”

“People often stop and say hello to her in her kennel, but unfortunately no one has taken her home yet,” added Miss McKechnie.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home becomes a long-term home for many stray dogs every year, but the majority are reunited with their owners within 48 hours.

“Dolly is a lively girl who can get easily overexcited so she is looking for active and experienced owners who can give her plenty of guidance and keep her busy, as well as teach her some more manners,” said Miss McKechnie.

“She will reward them by being a very loving and rewarding companion.”

If you are interested in meeting Dolly with the possibility of giving her a new home, contact Battersea’s rehoming team on 020 7627 9234, or call rehoming@battersea.org.uk.