An adorable dog spent a year looking for a new home, only to suffer a new heartache as a family handed him back after just eight days.
Diesel, a black and white whippet, was sent back to the kennels because they said they “weren’t the perfect match”.
The three-year-old pooch was originally rescued in 2024 after being abandoned by his previous owner.
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He’s now the longest-staying resident at his centre.
Staff thought they’d waved him off for good when he was adopted in February – but their joy was short-lived when he came back just over a week later.
The playful pup loves toys, food and zooming around, but can be a little sensitive.
Workers say he gets overwhelmed when touched by strangers and can get vocal if he’s not allowed to greet other dogs – something he’s currently being trained to manage.
The animal care team recently renewed their appeal for a family to give Diesel the loving home he deserves, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “Diesel is our longest canine resident and has been on social media for a long time now.
“We would like to reintroduce him to any new people who see his appeal.
“Diesel found a home in February 2025 but was returned after 8 days as they weren’t the perfect match for each other.
“Diesel went back up on the website and has been searching for months since.
“He is a young, playful, sweet whippet/lurcher of average size, around 20kg.
“Diesel is shy around new people and prefers them not to be hands-on straight away.
“His new people will need to visit him multiple times before he goes home so he can create a bond first.”
The full appeal was posted by the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre, in Middlesbrough, on Saturday (4 Oct).
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