Battersea's longest-serving resident finds new home

After more than two years behind bars, the longest-serving resident of Battersea Dogs' Home is beginning a new life.

The three-year-old mongrel named Caz faced countless inspections without mustering the slightest sniff of interest.

But she has now been given her freedom - and seven other dogs to play with - on a family farm near Stratford-upon-Avon.

Businessman Michael Markham, a father of three, read about her plight and said he felt it was his destiny to take her in "such a sweet girl".

He said today: "I thought ,This is destiny. I clearly have to save this dog'." So I called Battersea and went to see her. She is such a beautiful dog. Battersea were a bit concerned about her fitting in. But our other dogs love her."

At one point, staff at the home were so concerned about Caz's failure to attract a new owner they tried to give her a new image by changing her name to India.

But despite joining 11 other dogs in a national newspaper advertising campaign last Christmas, Caz just could not find a home. A later appearance in the magazine Paws also failed to drum up interest.

Now she is loving her new life on farm, said Mr Markham, 52.