Desperate plea for Plymouth dog stuck in shelter for over 650 days

A Plymouth animal rescue centre with a record number of greyhounds in its care has issued a plea for them to be rehomed. Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary is currently caring for six greyhounds at its shelter on the edge of Plympton, with some waiting nearly two years for their forever homes.

Despite dozens of enquiries received every week for dogs in the charity’s care, 'the phone has stopped ringing for the greyhounds,' the animal charity has said.

Sanctuary manager Lisa Darcy said: “I can’t recall a time when we’ve had six greyhounds waiting for a home. What’s more concerning is that, despite us homing well at the moment, the greyhounds continue to have no interest.

“When you work here you think ‘why haven’t you got a home?’ We’ve had lots of volunteers recently who have said the same thing.

"They didn’t realise how adorable the greyhounds are but, once they have made that initial meet, they soon fall in love with them. We would like people to think outside the box and consider a greyhound.”

Mikey, Tiger, Bobby, Gracie, Jet and Reagan are all gorgeous greyhounds searching for their forever homes. Five-year-old Tiger is a bundle of energy and loves everything and everyone around him. Tiger by name, Tigger by nature, he’s a lively boy who’s been a friend to all the dogs he’s met at the sanctuary.

Among Woodside’s many black beauties is three-year-old Mikey, a bubbly boy who loves having fun and playing in the sanctuary’s fields, then snuggling in for a cuddle.

Bouncy Bobby is the sanctuary’s longest-staying canine resident, having stayed a whopping 651 days at Woodside as of November 12. This friendly boy, who is five years old, will literally jump for joy when he sees you and loves an ear tickle.

Gorgeous girl Gracie has an excitable, unique personality and loves meeting new people. Gracie, who has lived in a home before, enjoys being with her canine pals, so long as they have good manners and don’t get in her face.

Eight-year-old Jet had only met greyhounds when he arrived at the sanctuary. He has slowly been introduced to other breeds and is realising other dogs can be fun to be around. This affectionate boy has lived in a home before, so is familiar with family life.

Woodside’s most recent greyhound arrival, Reagan, came to the sanctuary with Lurcher X Lola after their owner sadly passed away and their new carers could no longer look after them. They are the best of friends and are searching for a retirement home together. Eight-year-old Reagan is a calm, friendly boy and 15-year-old Lola is a lovely girl with a sweet nature.

Reagan and Lola are unsure of the world around them but, with love and encouragement, their personalities are starting to shine through. Lisa said there were many misconceptions around greyhounds which caused them to be overlooked. They might be the fastest dogs on the planet, but greyhounds are actually quite lazy, she said, and do not need a lot of exercise.

Greyhounds are 'lap dogs'

Most greyhounds are giant lap dogs who love to cuddle up on their sofa. And, although they’re big, they tend to be calm and well mannered. Lisa added: “They’re just such beautiful companions. They adapt well to people’s busy lives and need less exercise than most people think.

“They are low-maintenance dogs who usually walk well on a lead and are generally quite chilled. They still have lots of personality though and have excitable spells when they are bouncy and playful.”

To find out more, email generalenquiries@woodsidesanctuary.org.uk, call 01752 347503 or visit www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk for more details.

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