Britain’s unluckiest greyhound DESPERATE for a home after seven years without an owner

BRITAIN's unluckiest greyhound is hoping to finally overcome his biggest challenge yet after seven long years – a place he can call home.

Stevie the black-coated greyhound

Stevie the greyhound has been waiting seven years for a home (Image: Dogs Trust )

Although Stevie never races on the track, his life has always been under starter’s orders because he has no family to call his own. After being found straying as a puppy, he was rescued by the Dogs Trust and has been pampered in their care. Tomorrow (April 4) marks the seventh year that Stevie has been waiting to be rehomed and the leading welfare charity says whoever takes him on will be a winner.

For all his bad luck, Stevie has been fortunate because the Dogs Trust pledges to never put a healthy animal to sleep no matter how long they have to be looked after at their kennels.

Carers at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury are astonished that Stevie has been waiting 2,550 days for someone to adopt him, far longer than any of their dogs, yet they have not given up home he will one day make a perfect pet.

Louise Campbell, manager at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury, says: “Stevie is a gorgeous, giddy boy, and when he arrived at just a few months old, we would never have imagined that we would still be searching for his ideal home all these years later.

“In the time that we have had the pleasure of looking after him we have found forever homes for 97 Greyhounds, but sadly not for Stevie. We are really hoping that this is the year he finds his special someone.”

 Stevie on country walk with Dogs Trust

Stevie on country walk with Dogs Trust volunteer Jane Davies (Image: Dogs Trust)

Not long after Stevie arrived at the Dogs Trust he was diagnosed with exercise-induced collapse, which means the rescue team has to be careful with the amount and type of running about he does. Like most greyhounds, he loves spending most of the day snoozing in a comfy bed.

To keep Stevie contented, staff take him for plenty of off-site walks and even sleepovers at their homes, describing him as the perfect house guest.

Ms Campbell added: “It is one of the myths about Greyhounds that they need lots of exercise, but most don’t and Stevie is no different, with a couple of nice walks and sometimes a short run and he’s a happy boy.

“He is a pleasure to head out on an adventure with as he walks beautifully on the lead and loves meeting other dogs. Between walks he is more than happy to do some fun training and impress us with his latest trick, and then relax and watch the world go by.

This softens the kibble and makes the food much easier to chew.

Stevie on country walk

Stevie loves walking in the countryside as well as snoozing (Image: Dogs Trust )

Ms Campbell continued: “We will continue to love and look after him until the day comes when he heads off to his forever home.

"When the time comes to finally say goodbye it will be a fond but very tearful farewell.

"Dogs Trust Shrewsbury won’t be the same without him but we are really hoping that it won’t be long before he finally captures someone’s heart.”

Stevie is looking for a home without any other pets and no children so he can lap up all the love on offer when he finally finds his ideal home. If you think Stevie could be the one for you, please call 01952 983807 or visit Dogs Trust Shrewsbury at Roden Lane Farm, Telford, Shropshire, TF6 6BP. You can also visit www.dogstrust.org.uk