Dogs Trust: Rescued Queenie finds family home after 96 days

The four-year-old dog was taken into Dogs Trust Shrewsbury’s care as an abandoned, pregnant stray and had spent her early life as a breeding dog.

She gave birth to two healthy puppies at the rehoming centre, then watched both leave for new homes. Queenie waited 96 days for her own new beginning.

Queenie had never lived in a house or known the routine of family life. That changed when Frith Overy-Ellis and her daughter Hester visited the centre on Hester’s birthday.

They had met several dogs, but none had felt like the right match. Within minutes of meeting Queenie, 11-year-old Hester knew she was the dog for them.

Since moving in with the Overy-Ellis family, Queenie has settled into the home and started learning about everyday things many dogs take for granted.

Queenie the Lurcher has settled into her new family home. (Image: Dogs Trust Shrewsbury)

She is becoming familiar with stairs, household routines and the experience of being part of a family. Her new owners said she has adjusted well.

Although Queenie has reasons to be cautious of the world, she approaches new experiences with curiosity and excitement. She has also welcomed every person and dog she has met so far.

Last week, Queenie went on her first holiday to Scotland, where she ran along beaches and learnt to swim.

Queenie’s adopter, Frith Overy-Ellis, said: “Watching Queenie discover what it’s like to have a family and a home is so special. She approaches everything with such curiosity and wonder, and you can see her confidence growing every day.

"The trust she has put in us makes me feel quite emotional. We want to give her the life she deserves. We will love her for today, tomorrow, and for all the years she missed out on.”

The family had always planned to rescue a dog rather than buy one. They wanted to give an animal in need the chance of a safe and happy family life.

However, they said Queenie had changed their lives too, rather than simply receiving a second chance from them.

Queenie the Lurcher (Image: Dogs Trust Shrewsbury)

Dogs Trust said it had been able to care for dogs such as Queenie through support from Postcode Lottery players. Players have raised more than £30 million for the charity since funding began in 2014.

That money has helped Dogs Trust care for more than 125,000 dogs over 12 years. It supports essential daily care at 21 rehoming centres across the UK.

Steffanie Parker, Rehoming Manager at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury, said: “After everything she’s been through, watching Queenie settle in so quickly with her new family is remarkable.

"We really couldn’t be happier for this remarkable girl and it's thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players who have raised such an incredible amount over the years, that we are able to continue care for dogs like Queenie. We couldn’t achieve what we do without you."

The charity is marking the fundraising milestone as it continues to support dogs waiting for homes.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at Postcode Lottery, said: “It’s amazing that players have raised over £30 million for Dogs Trust. This funding has transformed the lives of thousands of dogs just like Queenie, who are now happy and safe in their forever homes thanks to the Dogs Trust team.

"Their incredible work continues to give pups in need a second chance at the love and care they deserve.”