Battersea's longest stay homeless dog 'needs home'

Bud requires a big garden where he can chase as many tennis balls as possible, the charity said

A homeless dog that has lived at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home the longest deserves to find a home by Christmas, the charity has said.

Bud, a seven-year-old Greyhound Collie cross, has been at the Old Windsor centre for more than 650 days. The average stay is 36 days.

The centre said Bud had watched about 5,000 dogs come and go during his time there.

Manager Kaye Mughal admitted the pooch may be "too lively" for some owners.

She said: "It's unbelievable that Bud is still with us as he's such a loving and affectionate boy.

"He's our longest stay across all three Battersea sites and we would really love to find him a new home before Christmas."

He would "enjoy a home with a big garden where he can chase as many tennis balls as his owners will throw", she added.

"As much as our staff enjoy Bud's company, we would prefer to see him surrounded by his very own loved ones this festive season."

A spokeswoman described Bud's long stay as unusual. He was a "cute dog" who had outstayed more "aesthetically-challenged" dogs at the centre, she said.

The charity, which was established in 1860, cares for dogs and cats no matter how long it takes to rehome them.