'Britain's loneliest' dog finds his forever home

A dog dubbed "Britain's loneliest" after he spent more than 550 days at a rescue centre has found his forever home.

Greyhound Danny was repeatedly overlooked and spent 15 times longer than most dogs at the Battersea Old Windsor centre, in Berkshire.

When he first arrived, the ex-racing greyhound found aspects of the outside world frightening and he spent time in a foster home to get used to everyday life.

But, 16 months on, he is now living his best life after he captured the heart of his new owner, Sandra, who said: "It was heartbreaking, I could not stop thinking why this beautiful dog had not found a home. I felt an instant connection with him."

The Year 6 teacher, who had previously owned cats, revealed she had never intended to get a dog but fell in love with Danny after spotting a Battersea Instagram post about his long stay.

Sandra said: "From the moment we met him, there was something incredibly special about him and we just knew that we would be his forever family."

She explained her first meeting with Danny went really well and, despite his anxiety, he was very relaxed.

"It felt really natural. My husband initially was very reluctant to have a dog but I knew once he saw him there would be no going back," she said.

"It was love at first sight, Danny was lovely and when we were leaving he gave me one last nudge and turned round to look at me, as if to say 'are you coming back?'."

It has been two months since Danny was rehomed by Sandra and she revealed he settled in far more quickly than expected, growing in confidence each day.

He spends his time exploring his new garden and taking naps around the house.

Sandra said he quickly revealed what a "loveable, gentle and sensitive" dog he is.

"Danny has already brought so much joy to our home, and we cannot imagine life without him."

She hopes Danny's story encourages others to give a rescue dog a chance.

Danny celebrated his sixth birthday on Sunday with a special doggy cake and a run around.

Zenya Green, rehoming team leader at Battersea Old Windsor, said: "Greyhounds like Danny are so often misunderstood, and it was heartbreaking to see such a sweet boy overlooked time and time again.

"Watching him head off to his forever home after more than 500 days with us was incredibly special and the true happy ending we were all hoping for."