Rosco the ball-mad Lurcher is still looking for a Cornwall home

Rosco has his lead ready, a tennis ball in his mouth and absolutely nowhere to be. At five years old he is endlessly hopeful, very good at sitting when asked, and still waiting on the one thing that keeps slipping past him. A family of his own. The Lurcher cross has been in the care of RSPCA Cornwall long enough that his carers have started to wonder whether the right people have simply been looking the wrong way.

A professional ball chaser with a soft spot for people

Rosco treats every game of fetch as though it should last forever, and then a bit longer than that. He loves people, and he greets more or less everyone like a long-lost best friend. He is a clever boy too, already knowing sit, down and stay, and he takes his treats like a perfect gentleman rather than a snatch-and-run merchant.

The team describe him as a friendly, energetic and loving dog, which is roughly what you would expect from an animal whose main ambition is more throwing.

The muzzle is just part of the kit

Rosco heads out with his lead, his ball and his muzzle, and the charity is upfront that all three are simply part of his adventure kit. The muzzle helps him enjoy every walk, and it goes on alongside the rest of his gear before he sets off. He would also prefer to be the only dog in the home, so he can have all the fuss and all the tennis balls to himself.

He is suitable for families with children aged eight and over.

Cat owners, this one is worth a second look

Here is the part that surprises people. Rosco could potentially live with a confident cat, because he has lived with one before. It is not a guarantee, and it would need the right feline, but the door is open in a way it often is not for dogs of his type.

His wishlist beyond that is short. A comfy sofa to snooze on. Someone who will happily throw his ball just one more time, and then another. And a family to love him for the rest of his days.

How to meet Rosco

Anyone who thinks they might be Rosco’s match can fill out an adoption application through the charity’s dogs page. RSPCA Cornwall is a self-funded local charity that follows its own rehoming process, and it says it welcomes conversations with all applicants to help find the right home for every animal in its care.

The branch is marking 30 years of that work this year, having started out in 1996. Rosco, for his part, is not counting the anniversaries. He is counting the throws, and hoping the next application is the one that finally brings his sofa.

📷Credit: RSPCA Cornwall Branch