SHE is just looking for someone to hold her hand.

Crossbreed Pinkie is looking for a family to help her cope with a painful ear condition.

The eight-year-old is now deaf and finds the only way she can communicate with people is by holding their hand.

It’s a trait which developed when she was taken in by a Blue Cross shelter last month.

Daily Echo:

While a volunteer was petting her and holding her paw, Pinkie wouldn’t let go.

Now the cuddly pooch is looking for someone to give her a ‘pinkie’ promise of shelter for the rest of her life.

She has even attracted celebrity attention, with comedian Ricky Gervais going to Twitter to publicise her need for a new home.

Pinkie’s skin condition was treated in London when she had her ear canals removed before heading to the shelter in West End.

The operation has left her almost deaf but Pinkie is desperate for human company.

Daily Echo:

Lara Alford, rehoming centre manager at Southampton Blue Cross, said: “Pinkie really does love people.

"She offers her paw straight away and would probably hold hands all day if you let her.”

Deaf dogs can learn commands using sign language and reward-based training.

Now the shelter is appealing for dog lovers to help Pinkie do all the things a hearing dog can.

  • Ring Southampton Blue Cross on 0300 777 1530 or log on to bluecross.org.uk to find out more about offering Pinkie a home.