'Big, loveable goofball' who loves to zoom around has a story that 'breaks hearts'

Whippet crossbreed Betsy was rescued by the RSPCA when she was just four months old
-Credit: (Image: RSPCA)


The RSPCA has made a desperate rehoming plea for a young whippet-crossbreed dog who has been in kennels nearly her entire life.

Betsy was just four-months-old when she arrived at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre in North Yorkshire last summer. She had reportedly been beaten in her previous home on numerous occasions.

Described as a ‘bundle of joy who puts a smile on your face even on the darker days’, Betsy is now the longest-staying dog at the Yarm Lane centre by almost a year. In that time she has seen more than 40 of her kennel mates go off to their new homes, including a Patterdale spaniel cross called Buzz who was also rescued from the same house.

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Although previous rehoming appeals have prompted some interest in Betsy, they have sadly fallen through because she’s been too playful for the older dogs of potential adopters during introductions at the centre.

Emma Cosby, Behavior Welfare Advisor at Great Ayton, said: “Despite numerous appeals, beautiful Betsy still hasn't had much luck finding a home, she’s our longest-staying dog by some distance and her story breaks our hearts.

“Understandably, after her long stay here and background history she can find new experiences scary, but she is slowly but surely overcoming her fears and she’s made incredible progress since she’s been here.

Betsy at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre in North Yorkshire
Betsy at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre in North Yorkshire -Credit:RSPCA

“She’s starting to gain confidence and is now desperately in need of a supportive, loving home with a family who have the time to help her through some of her anxieties and continue her ongoing training. She's a big, loveable goofball who loves to zoom around, but she's always grateful for a snuggle on the sofa with people she’s familiar with.

“We always say that when you take on a rescue dog you not only change that animal's life for the better but you also transform your own, and we know that whoever gives Betsy a chance is going to have a companion who will give them unconditional love, companionship and loyalty.”

To give her time away from the centre, Betsy has had ‘sleepovers’ at a member of staff’s house to help her get used to a home environment. RSPCA staff say she has loved these, especially having the chance to curl up on a sofa which is one of her favourite pastimes.

Betsy and her friend Rogue
Betsy and her friend Rogue -Credit:RSPCA

Staff think the fact she’s a sighthound may be a reason why she has taken longer to find a home. Although some of these dogs have high energy levels, Betsy doesn't need excessive amounts of exercise and she also doesn’t require a muzzle when she goes out.

Betsy loves to play, gets on well with other dogs and could be rehomed with another confident companion, prior to successful meets at the centre. She can live with secondary-aged children but would prefer not to share a home with cats. To find out more about Betsy visit the centre’s website or fill in a perfect match form.

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