Dog that spent whole life in kennels is adopted

A dog who has spent almost its entire life in RSPCA kennels has finally been adopted by a new owner.

Whippet cross Betsy had been living at the charity's Great Ayton Animal Centre in North Yorkshire since the age of four months, and staff had struggled to rehome her.

The pet had endured a traumatic start to life and had been abused before being taken into RSPCA care.

After a year and a half, she was able to go home with Tom Horrocks, 38, in time for Christmas, two months after he saw an adoption appeal for Betsy.

The sports development officer, who lives in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, spent two months building up a bond with the dog after contacting the RSPCA in September. He is a wheelchair user and said "chilled" Betsy had adapted well to his circumstances.

Mr Horrocks said: "I saw her and couldn't believe she'd been waiting for a home for so long. Betsy is the first dog I've ever applied to adopt and to be honest I fell in love with her before I even went to the centre. I didn't have any doubts about it, right from day one.

"She's obviously been through a lot in her short life but she's settled in so well and she'll get all the support she needs from me."

Betsy had been the centre's longest resident by almost a year, and since her arrival in July 2023, 50 other dogs at the kennels have been rehomed, including a Patterdale spaniel cross that was rescued from the same house as her.

Interest from other potential adopters petered out because she proved too boisterous around older dogs.

Emma Cosby, behaviour welfare advisor at Great Ayton, said: "We'd all grown so fond of Betsy but we couldn't be happier that she's finally found a wonderful home with Tom, and we're looking forward to hearing about all their adventures together."

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