Bud had been at the Battersea home for 1,000 days

The world's loneliest dog has finally found a home after spending three years in a rescue centre for being too big, old and lively.

Since Greyhound cross Bud arrived at Battersea Dogs & Cats home in the UK, over 5,500 other dogs have been rehomed.

But after appearing on Paul O’Grady’s TV show For the Love of Dogs earlier this month, Battersea’s longest-staying resident was adopted by a family from the West Midlands.

Ian Corns and his family, who live in Kingswinford, answered Paul’s personal appeal on the programme for a home for Bud.

Ian said: "When I saw Bud on the Battersea programme I couldn't stop looking at him.

"His character shone through and he reminded me so much of our old Collie-cross Rune.

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Whatsapp Paul O'Grady said he was thrilled Bud had been re-homed

"We called Battersea Old Windsor and they arranged for us to come and meet him.

"Now we've got Bud we can't believe he's been looking for a home for so long.

"He fits in so well already. He loves being involved in whatever the family is doing and we've all fallen in love with him."

Paul O’Grady said he was thrilled to hear Bud has been rehomed.

He said: "I can't think of a better way to end the series then with knowing Bud has found a family.

"It broke my heart to think that he might spend a fourth Christmas without a home, so I'm over-the-moon to hear he'll be surrounded by love this festive season.”

Bud first arrived at Battersea in November 2013 because his owners' circumstances changed and they were no longer able to take care of him.

He spent years in kennels before going out on foster with two of the home's volunteers, to give him some stability while he waited for a new family.

Battersea Old Windsor Centre Manager Kaye Mughal said: "Since Bud arrived at Battersea the charity has rehomed over 5,500 dogs, yet Bud was constantly being overlooked and we were at a loss to understand why.

"He's such a wonderful dog with a great personality.

"But as soon as Bud appeared in Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs the phone started ringing off the hook.

"When we spoke to Ian and his family everything seemed to click into place- they're a great match for him."

The average stay for a dog at Battersea is 30 days.

Telegraph.co.uk