This is Mickey’s moment. He hasn’t had many moments to be noticed in his life but this week he’s the star.

As I write this, I hope Mickey’s good points shine through, like they’ve been polished with Brasso. I’ve just spent a wonderful hour with Mickey exploring a field, sitting on a bench and investigating a stream. He’s been as good as gold.

Don’t get me wrong, Mickey’s not unloved. You’ve only got to look at the rehoming centre’s Facebook site to see how much he’s loved by National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) staff and volunteers but that’s not the same as having your own personal owner.

Mickey’s been waiting at the rehoming centre a long time. Possibly because, in NAWT’s words, his appearance is “rather unusual”. Put bluntly, Mickey’s head appears larger than you would expect for the size of his body. His ancestry is uncertain but he’s thought to be a cross between a Corgi and a Staffie. What is certain, is that he’s a gorgeous, happy boy who needs a home.

Arriving at NAWT because his owners went abroad and couldn’t take him, he’s clever and knows basic commands. He enjoys fuss and attention but needs to be the only dog in the home. If you can give Mickey a loving home, he’s waiting for you at Tyler’s Way, Watford by Pass.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in knowing the ancestry of your dog, you can find out with a test from Blackdog DNA (info@blackdogdna.com).

Talking of polishing things up, NAWT has teamed up with Recycle your Cycle - a scheme which enables prisoners to gain skills refurbishing bikes. This means that, firstly, the NAWT shop has refurbished bikes to sell and, secondly, if you have a bike you don’t want, if you take it there, you will be giving to a good cause.

The shop is at 2, New Rd, Watford.