Far from being 'scary', 'bitey' or aggressive, Hugo is friendly, sociable and good with both other dogs and children; He's even spent time with chooks.

But none of this was apparent in the sad photo that was posted online earlier this month by Central West Animal Rescue, showing the 10-year-old blind bulldog chained up in a yard - not because he's been neglected or is aggressive but so the blind dog doesn't hurt himself.

The image was accompanied by a plea: "(Please know) how sweet this boy actually is. This photo does not do him justice. He's not scary, aggressive or 'bitey'. He's blind, old and has been quite well socialised."

The post quickly amassed huge engagement on Facebook, with thousands of likes and shares but not a single offer to foster him from anyone local, which his rescuers attributed to the way he looked.

"He's got quite a sad back story," the Orange-based rescue group's founder, Jasmine Smart, explained.

"Although the picture looks horrible, this is obviously a situation that sucks for everyone," she added.

Prior to being chained up in a yard, Hugo had been a much-loved, life-long companion to a man who had to go into an aged care home. And sadly, this story isn't unique in Orange.

"People think a lot of the surrenders (we get) are (from) lazy people but more often than not these decisions are absolutely heart-breaking (for the owners)," Ms Smart explained.

"We've had two homeless people this week wanting care for their animals... There is life-changing stuff going on for a lot of people at the moment that they cannot help."

Hugo's story and photo "broke a lot of hearts" when the rescue group shared it several times in order to try and find someone to care for him.

And despite it even going "viral" and Central West Animal Rescue receiving offers of fostering from interstate, it took several weeks to find a temporary home for him that was local.

But after one last, desperate push for help on Thursday - the night before Hugo was due to arrive in Orange - an offer finally came through from a carer in the Central West, and on Friday he was collected by a volunteer and taken there.

"He's off to a lovely foster home. It's on a farm.. and he can have his own safe space," Ms Smart said the day he was picked up.

"He's got a lot of people really looking forward to meeting him."

Hugo's rescue and ongoing care was made possible through the work of numerous volunteers, including Pip 'n' Peanuts Pet Services.

To find out more about Central West Animal Rescue or to donate, visit their Facebook page or website.