But residing at SMART Animal Rescue longer than most dogs, 'Tully' is yet to be the pick of the litter.

The three-year-old Staffy is an unfortunate example of neglect which shelter's fear may be on the rise when working from home orders cease.

Staff member at SMART, Sarah Heffernan, is using Tully's cases to inform owners of the responsibilities associated with animal adoption.

"She [Tully] can be really boisterous, she is a very outgoing, active dog, and I think if anyone can just put the time into her and train her to get used to you and her new life, then she would be your best friend," Ms Heffernan said.

"I worry people might not be willing to put in the time, especially if you get a dog from a shelter or a pound situation, because they're not going to be themselves the first couple of weeks, they need to settle in."

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With vaccination rates giving hope to a return of normality, many dogs will be faced with adjusting to the changes in their owners' lifestyles.

"I don't want people to get a dog in lockdown, and as soon as they go back to work and the first day the dog destroys a couch, think let's get rid of the dog," Ms Heffernan said.

"It's not the dog's fault if you get them used to the routine of you being there.

"Of course, they're going to think 'what on earth is happening?'"

Shelter owner Lorene Cross stated whilst adoption rates for dogs were great during the recent lockdown, concerns of pet surrender now follow.

"We're low on dogs at the moment, we've got empty kennels," Ms Cross said.

"We normally say to people when they get their dog, to go out and leave the dog at home, don't have them with you twenty-four-seven, get them used to you coming and going."

"With any of our animals here, we'll take them back if they're really struggling, but we do try to make sure that the person really does want the dog for life."

As for Tully, Ms Cross hopes to find her a safe home, a loving owner, and a life outside of the shelter.

"She's a good girl, she loves to go for a walk, likes people, but can be a little funny around men," Ms Cross said.

"She needs a firm hand, she needs training and she needs someone to put in the time and understanding."

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