Bobby finds a new home at last

A dog who had spent most of his life waiting for a home of his own has found his happy place and will be welcoming in the New Year in his new home. 

Three-year-old Bobby, a Brittany Spaniel Greyhound Cross, is a high-energy dog who had been handed over to Dogs Trust Manchester after a change in his owner’s circumstances meant they felt they couldn’t give the lively youngster the time and attention he needed.  

Arriving at the Denton-based rehoming centre in the summer of 2022, it wasn’t until Tasha Hanson walked through the doors a few weeks ago that Bobby was to finally find his furry-tail ending. 

Tasha said: “He is an amazing dog and when I chatted to the team about him, I just seemed to be able to give him what he needed. He is really energetic, which doesn’t suit everyone, but I love getting out and about so that was a good fit.

"He needed an adult only home without other pets and he needed a home where there weren’t too many people coming and going, so luckily I ticked a lot of boxes for him!” 

Having met him, Tasha then visited him at the centre several times over many weeks and Bobby also spent time at Tasha’s home, including sleepovers. Everything went well and the day finally came when she could take him home. 

She said: “It was tough meeting up with him at the centre and him coming for short stays and then having to go back but it was the right thing to do. It meant I was much more prepared than I would have been otherwise, and he was familiar with everything which helped him settle in. Also, we’d built a great bond by then. There was lots of laughter and happy tears in those first few days as it was overwhelming finally having him home.  

“He is amazing, beautiful, funny and clever. He is basically a puppy in a three-year old's body, but I wouldn’t have it any other way and I can’t imagine life without him! I’m really looking forward to 2025 and many more years of adventures with him.” 

Most dogs that find themselves being cared for at Dogs Trust stay for around two months, but the charity currently has more than 400 that have been with them for over half a year. Bobby waited 759 days for his special someone to come along, but the team say it was worth the wait as Tasha is the perfect match for him. 

Lisa Eardley, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, added: “We do everything we can to help dogs find their forever homes, and for many that doesn’t take too long, but for a dog like Bobby who when he came to us lacked confidence and had huge amounts of energy, it can take a lot longer. We did lots with Bobby to help him prepare for his going home day and when Tasha arrived it was obvious that his and our dream of him finding someone ideal for him had come true. 

“The fact that he is starting 2025 off in a home of his own is wonderful and we know that thanks to people like Tasha who choose to adopt, we’ll continue to find forever homes for dogs who need, and deserve, a second chance at happiness.”  

To find out more about the dogs still waiting for new homes at Dogs Trust Manchester, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester