Windsor charities rescue dogs channel Casablanca in bid to find new home

Sunday, November 26 marks 75 years since the release of the movie classic Casablanca and the residents of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in Old Windsor have been channelling the film’s romantic spirit and posing for black and white photos.

The canine residents are hoping their atmospheric pictures will help them catch the eye of a new owner, and be the start of a beautiful friendship.

The centre's manager Kaye Mughal said: “Of all the rescue centres in all the towns in all the world, our dogs are hoping that you’ll walk into ours. They’ve all been watching Casablanca on repeat this week and getting tips from Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart about how to become the leading man or lady in their new owner’s lives. They’re looking for someone to take them home and love them - perhaps that could be you?”

Meet Battersea’s canine Casablanca stars..

Eddie and Serena
Soulmates Eddie and Serena are inseparable, but the Greyhound pair still have plenty of room in their hearts for a new owner. The duo, both aged four, have been at Battersea Old Windsor for over 100 days now and they’re both starting to feel a bit lovelorn. Unlike Bogart’s serious Casablanca character, Rick, Eddie is more of a comic – and this funny, affectionate boy, loves the company of people and other dogs. Serena is a true romantic who wants to give kisses and will come up and lean on you for a fuss and a cuddle.

Smokey
Smokey really knows how to turn on the charm for the camera. This eight-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been passed from pillar to post during his life and he’s really looking for some stability. He’s an older boy who’s a bit stiff in the legs, but he’s aging well and still has plenty of leading roles ahead of him. When he’s not posing for the camera, he loves to have a game of fetch – so throw it again, Sam! Smokey finds he’s at his best when he’s around people and so he’s looking for owners who are around for most of the day to keep him company. If you think that you could give this Golden Era gent a home, get in touch with Battersea Old Windsor.

Bracken
If Bracken ever got the chance to head down to Rick’s Café Américain, he’d definitively be the centre of attention and life and soul of the party. This affectionate one-year-old Saluki enjoys running around in our paddocks and having a fuss with his favourite people. He’s an enthusiastic and sociable lad with lots of stage presence, and he’s looking for owners who can channel his energy into fun activities. Bracken loves other dogs but he’s still very young and can get carried away in his excitement. He will need to live with a doggy friend who can show him the ropes and be his acting mentor.

Bailey
Here’s looking at you, kid. Well, actually, Bailey’s more one for smelling than looking and – typical of his breed – you’ll often find him with his nose to the ground. This gorgeous Beagle is a cheerful, intelligent chap who’s sure to keep his owners entertained and on their feet. Heralded as one of the great dog actors at Battersea, this four-year-old loves toys and food and gets on well with his fellow canines. Despite all this, he can sometimes be a little insecure and he’ll need owners who can help him work on his confidence and social skills. If you’ve got Beagle experience, then this boy could have a starring role in your life.

If you can rehome one of the Casablanca canines, please get in touch. You can find out more about all the dogs online at battersea.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Battersea Old Windsor by emailing bow.rehomers@battersea.org.uk or calling 01784 494 443.