A dog who can’t be touched is looking for a forever home.

PTSD means Jack Russell Sunny tenses ready to defend herself against affectionate pats as if they were lethal attacks.

Yet simply spending time in the company of someone in the same room has her tail wagging with excitement.

“It breaks our hearts as a team to think that she could have such a tragic back story,” said National Animal Welfare Trust Berkshire supervisor, Taryn Beaumont.

“Our wonderful dog trainer concluded that it is likely Sunny has PTSD and it is suspected her terror at being touched comes from the worst reason of all; that she may have been beaten in her past.”

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Health inspections found that Sunny’s fear was not a response to pain, as scans and blood work found her to be in good health.

“Though she is frightened of being touched, the second anyone walks into the room, she breaks out into the most excited wiggle, which will just make your heart burst of happiness. Just having your company is everything to her,” said Taryn.

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“She loves when staff go in and sit on the sofa and watch her as she plays with her toys. She’s even jumped onto some of the team members laps, just to show off her fancy rope toy.”

After two months at the centre, staff are appealing to help find Sunny, who was rased in Berkshire, the home she deserves.

Taryn said: “You may not be able to give her all the pets she deserves, but just by earning her trust, you mean the world to her, and your company gives her all the love and attention she could ever want. She’s such a special, lovely girl and we adore her so much.

“Dogs are just so compassionate and loving, even after everything they may have gone through. We hope we can find her an amazing home.”