WATCH: Heartwarming moment 'broken little soul' dog in shelter receives surprise gift

CHRISTMAS has come early for one lurcher pup living in Ireland’s oldest & largest animal rescue.

The DSPCA shared a heartwarming video of one of their dogs, Albie, unboxing a gift sent to him by Kitsch Collars, a UK-based company who make coats and collars for lurchers and sighthounds.

The gift comes in the wake of a post earlier this week by the DSPCA about Albie, a year-and-a-half old lurcher collie mix, who has been in their shelter since April 21 this year.

"Being in a shelter can take it's toll on some dogs more than others and Albie is certainly feeling it right now. It's been a very long wait for him and he's just so sad," the caption on Tuesday's post reads.

Albie arrived in the DSPCA shelter as a injured stray, and as he healed, shelter staff met a "very happy go lucky playful boy" 

However the long months as a shelter dog seem to be taking their toll on Albie's "fun and bubbly personality".

"We are giving him lots of cuddles and play time but the last few days he seems to have just given up and he's breaking our hearts. Albie flips his bed sometimes when he's stressed and today he is particularly sad," the caption continues.

However, his mood was much improved when he received his surprise gift from Kitsch Collars, containing treats and toys.

The DSPCA have issued an appeal to find Albie his forever home. He is deaf, but is full of life and is all legs and love when he is happy. He would be suited to a house with another dog, or with a cat too.

Albie was briefly homed with a family who sadly returned him and, and the DSPCA are keen to make sure Albie's next home is perfect for this pup.

Visit the DSPCA website to register your interest in Albie or visit him in their shelter in Rathfarnam, Dublin. They are open from 12-4pm, Tuesday to Sunday.