Residents at a care home in North Wales have adopted a retired greyhound that was discovered in a cramped, dirty shed and ‘desperately thin.’

The greyhound, Dexter, is five-years-old and is now living at Woodside Grange Care Home.

The furry friend, like the other residents, has a care plan detailing his food preferences, bedtime routine and walk times. Dexter escorts residents to their bedrooms when it is time to go to bed and has bonded with one resident so well that her family has asked to attend her funeral.

Freda Ashley, resident at the home, said: “I look forward to seeing him everyday.”

Michelle Snook, owner of Woodside Grange, said: “When it was first suggested that we should adopt a greyhound I was very apprehensive. I’m a massive dog lover and I was concerned that things wouldn’t work out and he would have to be returned to the rescue centre.

“I needn’t have worried. From day one the rescue centre worked with us to ensure that a dog compatible with the challenges of a busy home was chosen. Dexter came with his foster mum for some day visits before joining us permanently.

“He has been a joy, he enhances the day for the residents, staff and visitors. He greets everyone with a wagging tail makes us all feel special and loved.”

Woodside Grange adopted Dexter from Hector’s Greyhound Rescue, a Shropshire-based charity who spend all the funds they raise on the care of the greyhounds and the ones they rescue.

Hayley Bradley, founder of Hector’s Greyhound Rescue, said: “The majority of racing greyhounds have good trainers and once they’ve stopped racing they will hand them over to the rescue centres like ourselves who take them in.

“There is a percentage, however, that will give the dogs away or put them on social media where they can end up being used as bait dogs or for hunting or breeding. They can in the wrong hands and end up in the pound or abandoned on the A5.”

Helen Wilkes, the charity’s North Wales’ ambassador, said: “We endeavour to match the right dog to the right home and we knew immediately that Dexter was a perfect match for Woodside Grange.

“He’s an Irish ex-racer who was living in desperate circumstances when we rescued him but he’s now living in luxury receiving all the attention that he loves.

“Greyhounds make perfect companions as they are very laid back, quiet and somewhat lazy dogs!”