This week’s winner of Pet of the Week is a dog that five years ago was homeless and appeared in a WHT appeal to find the little guy his forever home.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Welwyn Hatfield Times article from 2012 after Spike was found in Hatfield town centre.The Welwyn Hatfield Times article from 2012 after Spike was found in Hatfield town centre. (Image: gstq65@gmail.com)

In October 2012, Mark Lampert, 52, of Bishops Rise, found the underweight terrier (now called Spike) wandering through Hatfield town centre covered in fleas.

Mark took to social media to find his owner and asked the WHT to run an appeal, to which seven people showed interest in Spike.

Spike, who was estimated by a vet to be between six months and a year old, was handed into a dog warden and after a week Mark decided to welcome the little chap into his home.

Mark, who is a gardener, said: “He’s a bit of a character and definitely has a touch of little dog terrier syndrome. He has a butter wouldn’t melt look but if any other dog tries to go anywhere near his ball his introductions are not always as friendly as they could be.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Welwyn Hatfield Times article published after Spike was offered seven homes.The Welwyn Hatfield Times article published after Spike was offered seven homes. (Image: gstq65@gmail.com)

“I take him to work with me quite often as most of my old girls love him and spoil him with biscuits while my back is turned. He’s a flirt.”

Mark and Spike, who will be celebrating five years of living together on October 28, often help out in the community doing voluntary litter picks, rescuing Bunchleys Pond and organising the South Hatfield Fete.

Mark added: “He’s pretty well known in South Hatfield, more folk know his name than mine so I don’t think I’d be able to loose him again.

“He’s chipped now and has an ID tag on his collar so that it’s easy to get hold of me if he does wander off.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Spike. Picture credit: Mark Lampert.Spike. Picture credit: Mark Lampert. (Image: gstq65@gmail.com)

“He made himself very much at home with me and mum, as with all pets he can be a bit of a bind but I wouldn’t be without him, he’s my first dog and my little hairy best mate.”

• If you have an adorable furry friend or a hilarious picture of your pet, send photos and a description to petoftheweek@ whtimes.co.uk.

Please include where you live in Welwyn Hatfield or Potters Bar.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Spike. Picture credit: Mark Lampert.Spike. Picture credit: Mark Lampert. (Image: gstq65@gmail.com)