Beautiful dog finally gets a loving home after spending nearly a YEAR in kennels

A dog who spent nearly a whole year in kennels waiting for a new family has finally been given a home.

Prince, an American Akita, was brought in after his previous owner became ill. Unfortunately, he was then in kennels at the Mayhew Animal Home in London for 330 days - one of the longest stays the animal shelter has seen.

The beautiful pup, who is only four-years-old, was finally adopted on Jan 31 after being signed over to the shelter at the beginning of March last year. He is "settling in really well" and lives by the sea.

The perfect place for a dog!

Prince gained the love and adoration of all the staff during his stay in the shelter. The Mayhew's Kennels Assistant, Josh Keegan, said: "Everyone at The Mayhew absolutely loves Prince – he is such an affectionate boy, who absolutely loves cuddles, back rubs and strokes.

"It will be sad not to see him every day, but I'm over the moon that he's found a perfect new home that he truly deserves."

According to the animal shelter, who don't receive any government funding, Prince's stay cost them over £19,000. But they've thought of a fun and innovative way to raise funds - they are auctioning off a painting of the beautiful dog on eBay, which you can take a look at here.

The masterpiece was created during the charity's Christmas fundraiser in December by artist Claire Thorogood, who said: "Painting the gorgeous boy, Prince, at The Mayhew's Tinsel and Tails event was a real pleasure and highlight. Prince's portrait is painted in acrylic using soft brush techniques."

This is the first painting Claire has auctioned in this way. She would normally have donated 10% of the commission fee to a dog's charity of the buyer's choice, but this time she has donated the entire paiting to the Mayhew Animal Home.

She said: "I hope this auction will raise some well needed funds for the care of other animals at The Mayhew – to be able to donate this painting for auction is really an honour."

Josh Keegan went on to say: "We understand that not everyone was in the position to give him a new home, but if you are one of his many admirers, this is a great opportunity to have him in your home in spirit with this lovely portrait.

"Please bid on his painting - the money raised will help towards the cost of us helping more animals like Prince find new forever homes."

The charity worker also filmed a short video to try and persuade people to bid on the painting - with the help of Prince himself, of course.

To take a look at Prince's painting, just click here.

Have you ever adopted a pet from an animal shelter? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter.

Like this? Now read these:

Dog adopted from Battersea Dogs Home saves man's life

Woman finds a dog being taken to a shelter and adopts him instead

This dog's face when he sees his owners on Facetime will warm your heart