Ex-racing dog needs new home after year at shelter

A former racing greyhound needs a forever home after spending more than a year at a rescue centre – over 10 times longer than the average stay.

Three-year-old Charm arrived at Battersea's Old Windsor centre in February 2025 with little knowledge of the outside world and no experience of life in a typical household.

But the centre said "misconceptions" about greyhounds' energy levels and exercise requirements had deterred potential owners giving her a home.

Hannah Gee, Battersea Old Windsor's rehoming team leader, said Charm "lives up to her name in every way".

The average stay of a dog at Battersea's Old Windsor centre is 38 days, but Charm has been there for more than 400.

Charm has spent time at a foster home to ease a potential transition to any new home and has "learned to embrace affection".

She can live with teenagers but would not be suitable for homes with cats or other dogs.

Gee said: "Charm proved to be an excellent house guest. She settled into her foster home surprisingly quickly and took all the new sights and sounds, including the TV, in her stride.

"It's become clear that her love of food knows no bounds and while her table manners could do with some work, her excitement around dinner time only adds to her character. She's such a loving girl and is going to make someone a wonderful companion."

In 2016, a dog who had been at the Old Windsor home for more than 1,000 days was adopted.

Bud, a greyhound collie cross, was taken home by an owner from the West Midlands after he was featured on Paul O'Grady's ITV show, For the Love of Dogs.