RESCUE shelter volunteers have told the heartbreaking story of two dogs who have been overlooked for the past two years.

Lonely lurchers Alvin and Victor are still waiting for separate new homes after spending more than two years at the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton and St Helens Branch.

Alvin has been at the branch, located on Slutchers Lane near Warrington town centre, for 824 days, while Victor has been stuck there for 798 days.

Katie Buckley, animal care manager at the branch, said: “They are both lovely boys, and it is so sad that neither have been adopted.

“Two years is a long time for any dog to be in kennels, but sadly we see many crossbreeds like Alvin and Victor coming into our care which means dogs like them can get overlooked.

“Because of their sighthound heritage, people may also think they have bags of energy and will need endless walks, and this is possibly another reason why we have had limited interest in them.

“They can actually be very docile, and many lurchers love nothing more than curling up on a comfy sofa or bed.”

While Alvin and Victor are firm favourites at the animal centre in Slutchers Lane, the staff are keen to see them go to new homes.

Katie added: “Victor in particular stands at his door watching his friends go to their forever homes, but no one chooses him, so he turns and goes back to his bed, holding his head low out of sadness.

“He loves a cuddle from every person he meets, enjoys sitting on the grass with his humans watching the world go by and travelling in the car with the window down, getting the breeze in his ears.”

Alvin, meanwhile, is described as an ‘adorable couch potato’.

He was rescued by the RSPCA from a property in the West Midlands in May 2022 with untreated injuries caused by hunting, which his owner had failed to seek veterinary treatment for.

The five-year-old dog has been in the care of the branch ever since, but he was only able to be put up for adoption in February.

This was after his former owner, who was given a suspended prison sentence and disqualified from keeping animals for five years, signed him over into the charity’s care.

Katie continued: “Alvin has been with us for such a long time and everyone at the centre is incredibly fond of him, but he deserves a home of his own where he will be spoiled and loved.

“Of course, he loves getting out and exploring, but he is also got a relaxed and laid-back temperament, and loves nothing more than stretching out his long limbs and having a cuddle on the sofa in our staff room.

“Alvin really is an adorable couch potato and a gentle, happy and affectionate soul who loves the company of people and would really enjoy being part of family life.

“He just needs someone to offer him that chance, as we know he will thrive in his own home and make a wonderful pet.”

Alvin and Victor are large dogs and will need owners who have had experience of their breeds and are willing to provide ongoing support with their training.

As they have spent a long time in kennels, their interaction with youngsters has been limited, although they could live with children aged 12 and above.

Because of their prey drives, neither Alvin or Victor can live with cats or small furry animals.

For more information on both dogs or to adopt, or if you would like to learn more about volunteering opportunities, visit rspca-whs.org.uk