Murdoch, a little fawn lurcher rescued by Forever Hounds Trust stole hearts back in November when a media appeal was launched to find him a new home he could call his own.

Murdoch is thought to be around three years old and came to us after being found abandoned. Forever Hounds Trust took care of him and he visited volunteer’s homes and took part in lots of activities to prepare him for life as a beloved pet. However, twelve months later the lovable lurcher was still looking for a new home, and so a campaign was launched to help him find a new family.

After appearing on the local news, in local newspapers and on social media, Murdoch had gathered a large fan club! Thankfully it wasn’t long before Lesley Bumford, from Shepton Mallet, spotted Murdoch in her local newspaper and gave Forever Hounds Trust a call. Lesley turned out to be the ideal match for Murdoch and just after Christmas he left the kennels to begin his new life.

Lesley is thrilled with Murdoch and he has settled into his new home well. Lesley says: “Murdoch is very well behaved. He is happy to travel in the car and he comes with me to tend to my horses twice a day. He likes nothing more than to lie in the sun and have a doze. He’s a wonderful companion and we’re glad to have him.”

While Murdoch has been successful in finding a happy home, there are still many more greyhounds and lurchers our care, all of them looking for a place they can call their own.

Although most dogs aren’t with the charity as long as Murdoch was, Forever Hounds Trust has seen an increase in the length of stay dogs have with them and a reduction in the number of people able to offer a dog a home.

The organisation believe this is as a result of a national change in circumstances. Forever Hounds Trust Trustee, Jan Lake explains: “The economic and housing situation in the UK is now having an effect on dogs like Murdoch. More people are in privately rented accommodation, and often pets are not allowed. We have seed a significant drop in the number of people rehoming dogs in the last few years, with half as many dogs finding new homes this year compared to 2012.”

If you can help by offering a greyhound or lurcher a home, please get in touch with us on 03000 111 100 or email homing@foreverhoundstrust.org.