Former racing Greyhound Patrick searching for forever home after four-month wait in Nottinghamshire rescue centre

Five-year-old Patrick arrived at the charity with a very different life behind him.

As an ex-racing Greyhound, it is believed he may never have experienced living in a home before, meaning everyday things many dogs take for granted have been completely new to him.

Now, after four months of waiting, the team caring for Patrick is hoping the right person will see beyond his racing past and give this gentle, handsome boy the chance to discover everything his future could hold.

Patrick recently spent time in a foster home to help introduce him to life outside of a rescue environment. He quickly discovered some of the finer things retirement has to offer including; sunbathing, relaxing in comfort and even making friends with his neighbours.

Back at Jerry Green Dog Rescue, his favourite place to be is curled up in a comfy doughnut bed. He is also a big fan of LickiMats and anything involving wet food, while staff describe him as a “distinguished gentleman” when taking treats.

Patrick even recently enjoyed five minutes of fame when he appeared on ITV News alongside the charity, but despite making his television debut, he is still waiting for the one thing he really needs: a home of his own.

Amanda Shaw, centre manager at Jerry Green Dog Rescue, said: “Patrick has spent almost five months with us now and we would absolutely love to see him finally enjoying the retirement he deserves.

“His time in foster gave us a lovely glimpse of the dog Patrick can be when he has the chance to experience home life. Seeing him sunbathing, relaxing and even visiting the neighbours was really special, particularly when we consider that he may never have lived in a home before.

“He’s discovering that life after racing can mean comfy beds, tasty treats, quiet afternoons and people who love you simply for being you. He just needs someone patient and understanding to help him continue that journey.

Patrick may have had his five minutes of fame, but what we really want now is for someone to give him a lifetime of love.”

Life after racing is still new to Patrick, so Jerry Green Dog Rescue is looking for a calm, patient adopter who will allow him to settle into his new surroundings at his own pace.

He can be nervous around busy roads and traffic, so a quieter, semi-rural home would suit him particularly well. His new home will also need a secure garden with six-foot fencing where he can stretch his legs and enjoy his famous Greyhound zoomies.

And while many prospective owners might picture a Greyhound needing huge amounts of space indoors, Patrick’s requirements are rather more modest: a comfortable bed and somewhere he can keep all four paws firmly on the ground. Carpets or rugs would help him navigate his new home, as slippery laminate and hard flooring can leave him looking a little like “Bambi on ice”.

Patrick has a strong prey drive and therefore cannot live with cats, small dogs, birds or other small animals. However, he could potentially share his home with another dog with a similarly calm temperament, subject to successful introductions at the rescue centre.

He could also live with children aged 11 and over who understand when he needs some space to relax. Initially, Patrick can be left alone for around two hours, with the potential to gradually build this up as he becomes more settled and confident.

He has been neutered and would be particularly well suited to somebody with previous Greyhound experience, although Jerry Green Dog Rescue would also love to hear from people who are willing to learn about the breed and give Patrick the patience and reassurance he needs.

After a life of racing and four months waiting in rescue, Patrick's next chapter is ready to begin.

All he needs now is someone to write themselves into it.

Anyone interested in offering Patrick a home can find out more and apply through the Jerry Green Dog Rescue website at www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk/dogs/patrick.