A dog who has spent nearly all her life in kennels will welcome in 2025 in a new home.
Betsy, a Brindle-coloured whippet cross, was just four months old when she arrived at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre in North Yorkshire in July 2023. Sadly, she was brought in after she had reportedly been beaten on numerous occasions in her previous home.
Although she was described as a ‘bundle of joy’ by staff, she was the longest-staying dog at the centre by almost a year.
Thankfully her patience paid off and she was finally spotted by sports development officer Tom Horrocks, 38, who saw her appeal on a regional news website in September.
To make sure they were the perfect fit, Tom spent two and half months visiting Betsy and patiently building up a bond with her before finally taking her back to his home in Stockton-on-Tees in time for Christmas.
“I saw her and couldn’t believe she’d been waiting for a home for so long,” said Tom.
“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 a doubt about it, right from day one.
Tom and Betsy
“I use a wheelchair part-time but Betsy soon got used to it, especially as I was going back and forth to the centre to meet her, although when she saw me walking around the house for the first time she looked at me as if to say, ‘is that really you?!’
“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. She loves playing with my parents’ dog and having a little potter around outside. I was so determined to make it work – she’s an amazing dog.”
Tom has grown up with dogs and his family have owned greyhounds, lurchers and whippets, so he said he knew what to expect from the breed.
“Some of our dogs have been really energetic but Betsy is definitely the most chilled out,” he said. “I’ll say ‘shall we go out?’ and she’ll look at me as if to say, ‘do we have to, I’ve got a nice comfy spot here on the sofa.’ So I think lounging about and relaxing is going to be one of her favourite pastimes.”
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.
Betsy finally in a forever home for 2025
“Understandably, after her background history Betsy found new experiences scary, but slowly but surely she started to gain confidence and overcame her fears, and she made incredible progress with us.
“Tom was totally committed to her right from the start and spent many weeks visiting Betsy at the centre and getting to know her.
“We’re over the moon she’s found a loving supportive home with someone who’ll continue her training, and we know Betsy will give unconditional love, companionship and loyalty in return.”
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