One of the longest serving residents of The Mayhew Animal Home is moving on after finding a new family to look after and love him following an 11-month stay at the shelter.

Prince the American akita had been cared for by staff at the Kensal Green centre for 330 days after his sick owner was unable to look after him.

Now the four-year-old is on his way to a new home, but only after posing for an artist to help raise money for The Mayhew.

Kennels Assistant, Josh Keegan, said: “Prince has been one of our longest stayers during 2016 and he was with us for over 330 days.

“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.”

Staff at The Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green have grown to love the four-year American Akita during his 11-month stay

During his stay, it is estimated that Prince has cost The Mayhew, which receives no lottery or government funding, £19,000.

Artist Claire Thorogood works on her acrylic masterpiece of Prince

But he will pay back some of the money after sitting for artist Claire Thorogood during the charity’s fundraising Tinsel and Tails event in December .

The acrylic pawtrait is now being auctioned on The Mayhew’s eBay page, with bids welcome until the morning of February 11.

Mr Keegan continued: “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.

The painting is on eBay until February 11, along with the photo of Prince

“It is going on auction shortly, so please bid on his painting.

"The money raised will help towards the cost of us helping more animals like Prince find new forever homes.”

“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.”

Prince with his pawtrait

Click here to bid on the painting.

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app. You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!