Abandoned stray to family favourite: Queenie finds her forever home in Shrewsbury

An abandoned lurcher who arrived at a Shropshire rescue centre pregnant has found her happy ending after spending 96 days waiting for a new home.

Four-year-old Queenie was taken into the care of Dogs Trust Shrewsbury as a pregnant stray, having spent the first part of her life as a breeding dog.

She gave birth to two healthy puppies at the rehoming centre and watched as both went off to their new homes – while Queenie continued to wait for a family of her own.

Staff believe she had never experienced living in a house or life as a family pet before arriving at the centre.

But Queenie's fortunes changed when Frith Overy-Ellis and her 11-year-old daughter Hester visited Dogs Trust Shrewsbury on Hester's birthday.

The family had already met several dogs without finding the right match, but within minutes of meeting Queenie, Hester knew she was the one.

Queenie has since settled into her new home and is getting to grips with experiences many dogs take for granted, including navigating stairs and adjusting to the routines of family life.

She has also enjoyed her first family holiday to Scotland, where she ran along the beaches and even learned to swim.

Frith 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 rather than buy a dog, wanting to offer a dog in need the chance of a safe and happy home.

But they say Queenie has given just as much back to them and has already changed their lives.

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."

Queenie's story comes as Dogs Trust celebrates more than £30 million being raised for the charity by Postcode Lottery players over 12 years.

The funding has helped the charity care for more than 125,000 dogs since support began in 2014, including animals at its 21 rehoming centres across the UK.

Ms Parker added: "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 to care for dogs like Queenie. We couldn't achieve what we do without you."

Laura Chow, head of charities at Postcode Lottery, said the funding had helped transform the lives of thousands of dogs.

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