Alvin had untreated injuries when he was rescued by the RSPCA in the West Midlands
One of the longest-staying RSPCA dogs in England is hoping to find a comfy new sofa to curl up on after spending over two years of his life in kennels.
Four-year-old lurcher Alvin was rescued by the charity from a property in the West Midlands back in May 2022 with untreated injuries caused by hunting which his owner had failed to seek veterinary treatment for.
The tan and white dog has been in the care of the RSPCA in Warrington ever since, but until recently the charity has been unable to rehome him because of ongoing court proceedings.
In February this year his former owner – who was later given a suspended prison sentence and disqualified from keeping animals for five years – signed Alvin over into the charity’s care. Staff at the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch rehoming centre, where he has become a firm favourite, are now appealing for a special new home for him.
Animal Care Manager Katie Buckley said: “Alvin has been in kennels half his life which is a long time for any animal. It’s obviously frustrating that we’ve been unable to put him up for adoption until fairly recently, but now that we can, we’re determined to find him the best-ever home.
“He’s only had one application since February but unfortunately it wasn’t quite right for him as he needs a garden and places to go out and explore. He’s been with us for such a long time, and everyone at the centre is incredibly fond of Alvin, but he deserves a home of his own where he’ll be spoiled and loved.
“Because of his sighthound heritage, prospective adopters may think he has bags of energy and will need lots of walks. Of course he loves getting out and exploring but he’s also got a relaxed and laid-back temperament and loves nothing more than stretching out his long limbs and having a cuddle on our sofa.
“He’s a really gentle, happy and affectionate dog who loves human companionship and would really enjoy being part of family life.”
Alvin is quite a large dog and will need owners who have had experience of the breed and are willing to provide ongoing support with his house training. As he’s spent a long time in kennels his interaction with youngsters has been limited, although he could live with older children.
Because of his prey drive he cannot live with cats or small furry animals, but he will happily wear a muzzle when out and about and he can be left alone for short periods.
One of his favourite pastimes is going for a ride in the car with one of the centre’s volunteer walkers, so he’ll be happy to travel and go on adventures with his new family.
Prospective adopters can visit the animal centre’s website for more details about Alvin and how to adopt him.
The Warrington, Halton and St Helen’s Branchrehoming centre in Slutchers Lane specialises in looking after cruelly-treated, abandoned and neglected dogs and cats which are brought in by RSPCA officers, some of whom like Alvin, are the subject of court proceedings.
Staff and volunteers play a major role in the medical and behavioural rehabilitation of these animals and work with foster families and the local community to find them caring new homes.
RSPCA branches are part of the RSPCA family but are separate registered charities in their own right, responsible for raising all their own funds to care for the animals they take in. Volunteers and fundraisers are always welcome and can get in touch with the Warrington centre via their social media channels.
