A sweet Greyhound called Belle celebrated a special moment at Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre, when they threw her a big birthday bash for her fifth birthday. The dedicated staff and volunteers at the centre, pulled out all the stops for Belle’s special day, decorating a paddock with blankets and a birthday banner, as well as making a custom dog-friendly birthday cake, topped with squeezy cheese, tuna, ham and sprat candles for Belle to enjoy.
Belle, who has spent the last two months in Battersea’s care, also received birthday presents, unwrapping her new toys in front of cheering staff and volunteers. Belle finished her birthday celebrations with signature Greyhound ‘zoomies’, before leaning in on staff and volunteers for a fuss. However, amid the fun and celebration, Belle has just one birthday wish, a home of her own.
Belle came to Battersea from another rescue centre, not yet knowing the comforts of a home environment and despite her gentle nature, Belle was initially quite quiet but, with care and encouragement from the staff and volunteers at Battersea, she soon settled and has begun to flourish.
Belle has spent time in Brand Hatch’s offices to grow her confidence and now loves being around people, having a fuss in a calm environment, even developing an endearing quirk, squishing her face into people’s armpits for a snuggle.
Lisa Stockwell, Interim Centre Manager at Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre, says: “During Belle’s time in our care, our dedicated team has showered her with attention and she’s made great progress with us, showing her sweet and gentle nature. With her birthday falling during her time with us we wanted to throw her the birthday party she deserves. As a Greyhound, Belle has sadly been overlooked which may be due to the many misconceptions about her breed. People often think that Greyhounds are always high-energy but, like many Greyhounds, she’s an affectionate, friendly companion, that loves a fuss and a snooze. We hope that Belle’s birthday wishes will come true and that she finds a new loving home soon.”
Belle is looking for a home in a quieter location with patient, supportive and experienced dog owners that would continue to help Belle flourish as a loyal companion. She is available for rehoming now at Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre. To find out more and make Belle’s birthday wishes come true, visit Battersea's website.
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Notes to editors
• At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with other organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
• In 2024 Battersea directly cared for 2,766 dogs and 2,454 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
• Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
• To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea, Facebook facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea.