An abandoned dog that starred in a TV ad for an Omaze house prize has won its own home - and has been adopted after 300 days in care.
Nine-year-old Staffie Billy was found in the Camden area of London and brought into the RSPCA Finsbury Park Hospital in London last year. Billy was treated at the hospital until being transferred to RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire where the staff came to absolutely adore him.
His placid and friendly nature saw him take a starring role in the charity's campaign with fundraising company Omaze. Billy visited a house that was a prize in a draw raising £3.5 million for the RSPCA, and even had his photo taken with Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page.
And now after over 300 days looking for a home the dog has finally been adopted by Sue and Bill Greenwood - who described him as "absolutely wonderful". Sue, from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, said: "He settled in quite quickly with us. I don't know what happened to him before or why someone would abandon him but he's just been perfect.
"He's a gentle, elderly man and is friendly to everyone. Everyone just thinks he's wonderful because he is! It's funny having both a Bill and a Billy in the house - if I call my husband or the dog they might both answer! They also both have health/facts-arthritis-how-you-can-6416990>arthritis too so they're definitely a pair!"
Sue and Bill have had dogs and cats throughout their married life - but when their last dog sadly passed away in 2021 they were so heartbroken.
Sue added: "We also had a Ukrainian refugee come to stay with us with her two cats, so we didn't want to get a dog whilst they were with us. She left in September with her cats to start her new life and we started looking for a dog in October.
"We had a few false starts, but then we were just looking at the RSPCA Southridge website and I made an appointment to meet Billy as soon as I saw him - as he's wonderfully handsome!
"We went to see how we got on with him and before we knew it we were home and there was Billy right beside us. The whole centre seemed to adore him and were so thrilled he had found a home!"
Anna White, Manager at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre, said: "Billy is a very lucky dog, he has a fantastic home and Sue and Bill are very lucky adopters because they have a fantastic dog.
"The term perfect match is often used - in this case it could not be more true! We are so grateful to them and it was a privilege for us to facilitate this adoption."
Billy was fostered by his new owners for the first two weeks - but soon made his new abode his permanent home as it did not take the couple long to realise they "wanted him to stay forever".
James Oakes, from Omaze, added: "We are delighted that our campaign with the RSPCA not only raised a record amount of vital funds for the charity - but also found Billy a wonderful new home. We're incredibly proud that the Omaze community has raised more than £37 million for good causes across the UK."