Staff at Dogs Trust West Calder are calling on local dog lovers to consider opening their homes and hearts to a rescue hound whilst remembering the charity’s iconic slogan, “A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas®”.
The Rehoming Centre in West Calder will be caring for around 80 dogs over the festive period, but as the New Year approaches there are 12 homeless hounds who all have their paws crossed that they will be spending it in a loving new home.
Many of these dogs have been at the Rehoming Centre for more than six months and will have some particular needs from prospective families, however they will make terrific companions in the right homes.
Rehoming a dog from Dogs Trust
Susan Tonner, Rehoming Centre Manager, Dogs Trust West Calder, said: “Our 12 dogs of Christmas each have differing looks, personalities and needs but each one will make a wonderful addition to a loving new home so we are appealing for anyone who would like to rehome one of these deserving dogs to please get in touch.
“Our slogan, ‘A Dog is for life, not just for Christmas®’ is as relevant today as it was when it was first coined 40 years ago. We continue to see many dogs coming through our doors over the Christmas period, simply because individuals haven’t taken into consideration the lifelong commitment of dog ownership.
“We urge anyone thinking of getting a dog during this busy period to seriously think about the commitment involved before making a decision to bring a four-legged family member into your home. Dog ownership can be challenging but also extremely rewarding, especially if you are giving a rescue dog a second chance at happiness.
“As always, we are reminding everyone that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas, and, if you are thinking about getting a dog in 2019, to consider rehoming a rescue dog.”
12 Dogs of Christmas
Name: Bella
Breed: Saluki
Age: 3
Bella loves chasing her ball, lazing about in the garden and getting lots of human company. Her favourite thing to do is cuddle into her favourite human companions on the couch for a warm snuggle and a snooze. Bella adores attention and just loves her ears being scratched.
What Bella needs from her new family:
- Bella would need to be on a lead when out for walks
- She would need an experience dog owner
Name: Bertie
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 5
Bertie is a fun loving boy who enjoys playing; he is an expert at catch, has great control when playing football and is fantastic at finding the hidden teddy bear. Bertie enjoys going for walks, especially if this involves a trip away in the car to the woods, hills or meadows.
What Bertie needs from his new family:
- Bertie would prefer a quiet, relaxed home
- He needs time to build up a bond with potential owners
- He would need a home with very few visitors as he can be shy around new people
Name: Blue
Breed: Lurcher
Age: 4
Blue is a beautiful boy who loves to have lots of fun and can always be found running around playing with his favourite teddy. Blue enjoys being outdoors and will happily jump in the car to go on a new adventure where he can sniff and explore all the new sights and smells.
What Blue needs from his new family:
- Blue will need to build up a bond with his new family before going home with them
- He will need a quiet, relaxed home
- Blue can be shy around new people
Name: Bud
Breed: Beagle
Age: 6
Bud is an adventurous boy who loves the great outdoors. He enjoys going for walks and can always be found with his nose to the ground, investigating new sights and smells. He loves to play football and catching his favourite frisbee.
What Bud needs from his new family:
- He would be suited to a home with a family who have previous experience with his breed
- Bud would prefer a quiet, adult only home where he can get his own space when he wants it.
Name: Buster
Breed: Lhasa Apso
Age: 12
Buster is a unique character you can’t help fall in love with. He is sweet, friendly and loves to cuddle. Buster enjoys going for a potter around, getting his good boy treats and having a snooze in his warm cosy bed.
What Buster needs from his new family:
- Buster would prefer to be the only pet in the home
- At times he likes his own space and, like most humans, likes uninterrupted naps and meals
Name: Heidi
Breed: Lurcher
Age: 1
Heidi is a loving girl who adores a fuss and meeting new friends when she’s out and about. She is a playful girl, who loves nothing more than a game of fetch or tuggy! Heidi likes to travel in the car and would love to go for lots of new adventures.
What Heidi needs from her new family:
- Heidi would like her new family to be experienced dog owners
- She would prefer to have company most of the day
- Due to her age, Heidi will need some additional training and has lots of energy, so would benefit from an active home
Name: Finn
Breed: Border Collie
Age: 1
Finn enjoys going for walks and playing with his favourite ball. He loves being outside and can often be found rolling in the long grass or sniffing around, looking for new and exciting smells.
What Finn needs from his new family:
- Finn would like a quiet, adult only home
- He can be wary around strangers and other dogs so would prefer a home in a quiet, rural setting
- He is an active boy so would love an active home with a family who have experience caring for Collies
Name: Holly
Breed: Collie cross
Age: 7
Holly is a beautiful girl who is full of life. She loves to play with her squeeky toys and loves exploring on her walks. Holly can take her time getting to know new people as she is a sensitive soul who can be very shy.
What Holly needs from her new family:
- Holly would like a quiet, adult only home with patient owners, who will give her time and space to settle in
- She would prefer to be the only dog in the home, with a secure garden for her to play in.
Breed: Lurcher
Age: 4
Lola is very sweet and adores human companionship. She loves being told how good she is and will quite happily sit on your knee for cuddles and kisses. Lola loves her home comforts and can often be found snuggled under her blankets or relaxing on her sofa with a yummy chew.
What Lola needs from her new family:
- She would like a quiet, adult only home with few visitors, as she can be shy around new people
- Lola’s family should be gentle with her as she is a sensitive soul and ideally would live in a quieter setting, away from busy towns.
Name: Sarge
Breed: Boxer
Age: 6
Sarge is looking for an experienced home with someone who has experience of caring for larger breeds like Boxers. Sarge is very friendly and sometimes likes to jump up to say hello. Sarge loves his garden and would prefer his very own secure garden, where he can relax and play fetch with his owners.
What Sarge needs from his new family:
- Sarge’s new family should be experience dog owners, ideally with experience in caring for his breed
- He can live with children over the age of 10
- Sarge can get very excited so some additional training will be needed.
Name: Scooby
Breed: Terrier cross
Age: 4
Scooby is a lovely chap who has great fun being out and about. He adores being in the company of his favourite people and will never turn down a tasty treat. Scooby is house-trained and happy being left at home on his own for a few hours.
What Scooby needs from his new family:
- Scooby would prefer a home with a family of experienced dog owners
- He is an active boy who will need plenty of exercise
- Scooby would be suited to an adult only home, where he will be the only dog.
Name: Marion
Breed: Greyhound
Age: 3
Marion is very friendly and loves to say hello to everyone she meets. She is happiest when getting lots of fuss and when snuggled up on her favourite beanbag. Marion likes travelling in the car and going exploring on lots of walks.
What Marion needs from her new family:
- Marion would need a family of experienced dog owners
- She would also like a lot of human companionship, so would prefer to have someone around most of the day
- She can live with children over the age of 12.
If you would like to find out more about any of canine residents currently at Dogs Trust West Calder, please get in touch with the team on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/glasgow
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