A BROMSGROVE animal shelter is looking for a new home for dog with a very unusual condition - being allergic to grass.

And six-year-old Guiness has further problems as he cannot tolerate lamb, wheat or beef, so eats a specially prepared vegetarian diet for dogs.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier suffers fur loss, itchy skin and has trouble breathing if he comes into contact with even a single blade of grass.

The condition, believed to be a virulent strand of hayfever, is so rare it does not even have a name.

Staff at the Blue Cross Animal Adoption Centre, in Wildmoor Lane, are now struggling to find a home suitable for Guiness's needs.

Manager of the Catshill centre, Neil Edwards, said: ”When he came in his eyes were so inflamed he looked like a panda.

“We were scratching our heads wondering what on earth could be causing his skin to flare up.

''One day a senior worker suggested we walk him on the concrete and his skin suddenly improved.

“Just imagine being a dog but not being able to run across fields or play catch in the park.

''We need people to look through his external problems and see the real dog inside. He's a lovely boy and would make a good companion.”

Guiness was given to the charity in January 2008 when his owners abandoned him because they could no longer cope.

His next owners returned him to the shelter last February, saying they could no longer afford him.

Neil added: “Obviously if anyone adopted him, Blue Cross would cover all the necessary vet bills for his allergy.

“It's going to be a challenge for whoever adopts him but it's worth it, he's an adorable dog who hasn't had the best luck in the world.''