Elderly dog that waited months for dead owner now up for adoption

A California dog rescued after it was found lingering in its dead owner’s yard, seemingly awaiting their return, has been put up for adoption.

Ricky Bobby, a 13-year-old Australian cattle dog, was found outside the bordered up Mojave home months after his owner had died.

The overweight dog, which had managed to survive on a diet of hamburgers and Spam from a concerned neighbour, was picked up by a local dog rescue organisation, Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue.

Marley’s Mutts founder and executive director Zach Skow said he named the dog after the fictional race car driver from the film Talladega Nights, owing to the dog’s love of running.

“It was ironic. He is so big and fat but when he walked on a leash, [he] tried to run,” Mr Skow told ABC News US.

"He likes to try and go fast, but just can't quite get there."

Marley’s Mutts media liaison officer Amy Klein said the dog’s current foster parent has been ensuring he receives regular exercise and a proper diet, and said she is hopeful Ricky Bobby will one day find his forever home.

"We WILL get him adopted," Ms Klein said.