This National Rescue Day marks 461 days since three-year-old Charm first entered the rescue centre at Battersea, London, and she remains in search of her perfect forever home. The greyhound, previously used as a racing dog, had limited exposure to the outside world and virtually no experience of domestic family life.
Remarkable Progress Despite Long Stay
Despite spending well over a year in the care of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Charm has made remarkable progress, with her confidence flourishing. She is now completely ready to find her place in a loving home where she can settle down and feel secure. The unfortunate pup has remained at Battersea for 10 times longer than most dogs they take in, through absolutely no fault of her own. The average stay is 38 days, yet Charm has been there for more than 450 — a sadly typical situation for her breed.
Misconceptions About Greyhounds
This is largely due to the misconceptions that tend to surround greyhounds. People wrongly assume their energy levels and exercise needs are too demanding for many owners. However, the team at Battersea are eager to reassure potential new dog parents that while Charm enjoys a good run, she is equally content relaxing at home.
Hannah Gee, Rehoming Team Leader at Battersea Old Windsor, said: "Lovely Charm lives up to her name in every way. She can be initially cautious around new people, but once she gets to know you, her playful and friendly personality shines through. While she does experience short bursts of high energy, what we like to call greyhound 'zoomies', she's quite happy to potter around or snooze the day away. There's no doubt she's a staff favourite, and we're all rooting for her to find her perfect match."
Foster Home Success
To give Charm the best possible chance of being rehomed, the team worked hard to prepare her for life beyond her kennel, including a well-deserved stint in a foster home. It was there that she began to welcome affection, spending many evenings curled up on the sofa with her carer, nudging for extra tummy rubs. According to the rehoming team leader, the three-year-old greyhound proved herself to be an "excellent house guest."
Hannah added: "She settled into her foster home surprisingly quickly and took all the new sights and sounds, including the TV, in her stride. It's become clear that her love of food knows no bounds, and while her table manners could do with some work, her excitement around dinnertime only adds to her character. She's such a loving girl and is going to make someone a wonderful companion."
Ideal Home for Charm
Due to her past traumas, Charm's anxious side can still surface during walks, so ideally she would thrive most in a quieter neighbourhood. This would give her the opportunity to grow accustomed to familiar surroundings, people and routines, rather than being in a constant state of overwhelm. If this special girl has captured your heart and you are eager to get in touch with the rehoming team at Battersea, visit their website to register your interest.
