A rescue greyhound who spent more than 1,000 days waiting in kennels at a Plymouth sanctuary has finally found his forever home, just two days before the New Year.
Six-year-old greyhound Bobby arrived at Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary in early 2023. Since then, staff say they could count on one paw the number of people who had expressed interest in adopting him.
By the end of 2024, carers feared Bobby was about to spend yet another year in the kennel he had called home for 1,064 days.
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Everything changed when experienced dog owner Peter Hart from Saltash contacted the sanctuary after spotting Bobby online and asked to meet him.
The pair instantly hit it off and, just days later, Bobby left Woodside for his new home.
Senior manager Debbie Haynes said the adoption was the best possible way to start the New Year for staff at the sanctuary.
“We’ve been waiting such a long time for Bobby to find a wonderful home and we are so delighted that he finally has. Peter seems like a really lovely gentleman and he’s had many rescue dogs before, so we are over-the-moon. I’m sure Bobby will be on the sofa before he knows it!”
Bobby arrived at Woodside in February 2023 and, during his time there, watched hundreds of other dogs come and go.
Despite being described as sweet and affectionate, he was repeatedly overlooked. Staff believe his colour, his age and common misconceptions about greyhounds needing lots of exercise all worked against him. Bobby was also known for not liking to share his toys.
Even so, carers never gave up hope.
“As soon as I saw his picture I knew I wanted to give Bobby a home,”
Peter said.
“When I found out he’d been here for three years I couldn’t believe it, that’s a long time for a dog to be in kennels.”
Peter has previously cared for many rescue dogs, including ex-racing greyhounds, German Shepherds and Wolf Hounds.
“Greyhounds are the most laidback dogs I’ve ever had,”
Peter said.
“I came up to meet Bobby and we seemed to get on alright. I took him for a walk and when he’d decided he’s gone far enough, he turned around and brought me back!
“We went and sat in his kennel. It took him a few minutes and then he jumped up on the couch and flumped on me.”
For nearly three years, Bobby lived in Dunroamin’, Woodside’s older dogs’ unit, where he had a sofa and a comfy bed. Even so, staff say nothing compares to a real home.
“Once he realises he is not going to be alone, I am sure he will settle,” Peter said. “The animals are looked after incredibly well at Woodside, but there is only so much time they can spend with each one.”
After arriving home, Peter planned to give Bobby time to explore before heading out for a walk around town, followed by a well-earned snooze on the sofa.
“As long as I get the bed, we will be fine,”
Peter joked.
“I have got Bobby some treats and there is a nice big bed waiting for him.”
Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary is a long-standing animal rehoming charity based on the outskirts of Plymouth that gives unwanted, abandoned and vulnerable pets a second chance at life.
The trust cares for dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals, providing shelter, medical care and support while they wait for loving homes.
Woodside also looks after pets that may never be adopted due to age or illness and works to promote responsible pet ownership in the local community.
You can find out more about their work, see animals available for adoption or support them HERE
