A dog who has spent nearly her entire life in kennels is looking for a new family to help her find her way in the world.

Whippet crossbreed Betsy came into RSPCA care at just four months of age after she was rescued by the charity over concerns for her welfare and reports she was being beaten.

After being cared for at a private boarding facility she was transferred to the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre in North Yorkshire last July where she’s been patiently waiting for someone to adopt her.

The Northern Echo: Whippet crossbreed BetsyWhippet crossbreed Betsy (Image: RSPCA)

The eighteen-month-old was scared of everything at first, but she has made great progress since, but sadly there’s been very little interest in Betsy over the last eight months and staff think her long wait could be due to her colour and the fact she’s a sighthound. 

Kennel Supervisor Lauren Hythe, said, “Betsy’s had a sad start to life and she lacked a lot of early socialisation that most puppies her age would have had, leaving her unsure of the wider world, so we’ve done a lot of work to help build up her confidence. 

“She was scared of everything at first and struggled to do certain things like walking into a room she was unfamiliar with or getting into the back of a van. She’s still a little nervous but she’s come a very long way and has started to spend time in our ‘home from home room’ and is in the process of becoming more comfortable with travelling.

The Northern Echo: The dog has been in care almost all of its lifetime The dog has been in care almost all of its lifetime (Image: RSPCA)

“It's hard to tell why people aren't so keen on darker coloured animals - we find it’s the same story with cats and rabbits too - although some people think they are unphotogenic or bring bad luck.

"Betsy is also a sighthound which is another reason she may have been overlooked. People think they’re too high maintenance and need lots of walks. Of course, some of them do have high energy levels, but many dogs like Betsy don’t need excessive amounts of exercise and are laid back and even a little bit lazy.

“Although Betsy doesn’t, some sighthounds have to be muzzled when they go out due to their high prey drive which also seems to put people off. It’s such a shame as they are gentle and affectionate dogs who love human companionship and enjoy being part of family life.”

Betsy has formed close bonds with members of staff, and with the right people giving her patience and time, she'll make a loving companion, says the RSPCA. 

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She is looking for an understanding home in a quiet area with a family who can slowly introduce her to new things including traffic and being left alone. Being a younger dog, she loves to run around and play. However, she can often be found snoozing on her bed in her kennel when undisturbed, so she would suit an active family who also enjoy relaxing on the sofa at the end of the day.

A good-sized garden is a must as this will give her space to continue her training. She takes confidence from other dogs, so ideally needs a home with another outgoing canine to help her come out of her shell and learn that life isn't quite as scary as it seems.

An adult-only home or a family with secondary-aged children is preferred.