IF you are looking for a calm, laid back canine companion then our dog of the week, Melissa, could be the one for you.

An ex-racer, the four-year-old Greyhound, who is currently being looked after by staff at Dogs Trust Merseyside, is described as definitely happy leading a quieter, comfier life as she is 'a very easy-going girl'.

She can live with children of high school age and the team at the rehoming centre are confident she’ll fit into family life easily once she has had the chance to get to know you as she can be quite shy at first.

Georgina Lowery, manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside, said: "Melissa is a lovely girl and she recently spent a few nights with a foster carer who found her to be very loving and up for fun and playtimes. She comes alive when she gets a belly rub.

"She is currently wary of busy roads which is no surprise given her racing background so she may take a while to build her confidence in environments she hasn’t experienced before, but when it comes to enjoying the warmth, comfort and love that family life brings, we are certain she’ll take no time at all to adjust."

Melissa would like to meet her new family at the rehoming centre a couple of times before heading home so she can start to build a bond with them.

If you think Melissa could be the four-legged friend you are looking for, go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/merseyside