Tag: rehoming centre

Long-legged and short-legged dogs: Do they measure up to what you are looking for?

Dogs Trust West Calder is on a mission to promote their lovely long-legged and somewhat shorter-legged dogs with their ‘Long and the Short of It’ rehoming promotion.   

When considering adopting a dog people may initially focus on their size thinking of lanky long-legged lurchers or gangly greyhounds sprawling on the sofa or a short-legged tiny terrier scampering around.  However, the team at West Calder believe it’s important to recognise that all dogs have unique qualities and personalities beyond their physical appearance and never to rule out a dog due to its size.   

As part of the promotion dogs currently available for adoption are being renamed according to their leg length with a ‘Long and the Short of It’ event being held on Sunday 11th June. Anyone thinking of rehoming a dog now or in the future is welcome to come along to West Calder Rehoming Centre between 12 and 4pm to learn more all about the range of qualities unique to each of the dogs currently available for rehoming at the centre.   

West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner said: “A dog’s size is often one of the first things people consider when choosing a dog. We currently have 14 dogs that we have renamed Longlegs or Shortlegs as we wanted to find a fun way of showing that long or short legged dogs each have very different personalities that might surprise you beyond their first physical impression.  

“We believe if you limit yourself to choosing a dog by size alone, you could miss out on the dog of your dreams. We hope people will get involved in the promotion and come and meet some of our fantastic dogs up for adoption.” 

Long-legged and short-legged dogs currently awaiting their forever homes include: 

Scooby Shortlegs is a nine-year-old terrier. He is a playful and lively little dog who is a massive sports fan, with football being his speciality. As keen explorer, he loves to travel and is always up for an adventure. After having lots of playtime he loves to snuggle under his cosy blankets keeping warm and snug.  

Stuart Shortlegs is a seven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. He is a little pocket rocket with the cheekiest personality. He loves his carers and will always welcome them with the cutest wiggle and waggiest tail. He loves to go for walks, is very playful and can often be found carrying his favourite toys. 

Lucy Longlegs is a three-year-old Lurcher who is the smartest dog we know. She loves to learn and has lots of fun tricks to show you. She is sweet, affectionate, and loves to stretch her long legs by chasing after a bouncy ball. 

Levi Longlegs is a three-year-old Lurcher who is a gentle boy with the best ears in the world. He loves to chill and relax in your company. He enjoys his walks, playing with his favourite teddys and snuggling up next to you on the sofa. 

You can view all the dogs patiently awaiting new homes at West Calder Rehoming Centre here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/west-calder or call 01506 873 459.  

You can follow the team at West Calder on Instagram @dogstrust_westcalder and twitter @DT_WestCalder 

Gorgeous Gregor’s gold star report from foster carers

An eight-year-old Shar-pei who has received a gold star report from his Dogs Trust foster carers is hoping being on his best behaviour will help him find his forever home.  

Gorgeous Gregor arrived at the charity’s West Calder Rehoming Centre in May 2022 after being found as a stray. It didn’t take long for staff to realise Gregor wasn’t suited to life in kennels, so a temporary foster home was sought. 

Gregor landed on his paws when he first went into foster care in July 2022 with Fiona Jardine from Grangemouth. She said Gregor was a very well-behaved boy and perfect house guest.   

Gregor is now enjoying life in a foster home with Meta Brockie from Dunfermline who said: “Gregor is a wonderful, calm, gentle and easy going dog. He has a very sweet nature and is friends with everyone he meets whether dog or human.

“”When out walking he takes his time and loves to stop and look at what people are doing rather like a nosey neighbour.  He is also very funny, loves his food and sleeps through the night.  There really is nothing not to like about Gregor.”

Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Gregor’s personality is now shining bright after what has been an unsettling time in his life. He has lived in two foster homes now with both of his foster carers agreeing what a delight he is in the home. 

“A dog can be in foster from a few days to a few weeks, with the average time being 21 days.  Gregor has been in foster nearly eight months and we cannot understand why he hasn’t been snapped up.  He has the looks, a loving nature, is housetrained and is very well-mannered. We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks our gorgeous boy could be the canine companion for them. 

“We are so grateful to Fiona, Meta and all our foster carers for everything they do for dogs like Gregor.  For dogs that cannot adapt to life in a rehoming centre having the option of a foster home is vital for their happiness and wellbeing.  We learn so much more about our dogs when they are in a home environment and this also helps with finding them the right forever home.  Our foster carers are simply the best.” 

While Gregor is friendly on his walks, happily saying hello to dogs of all shapes and sizes, he is looking for a home where he is the only pet.

He could live in a home with children aged 16 and over. Gregor isn’t keen on the rain so prefers to go for walks in fair weather. He appreciates a little time to meet new people but once the bond is made, he is loyal and loving. Gregor is on medication for arthritis which he takes no problem at what is one of his favourite times of day, food time.    

If you are interested in rehoming Gregor you can apply here: 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/shar-pei/1257238 

For more information about fostering for Dogs Trust email:

HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk 

Gillian Mackay MSP meets happy hounds at Dogs Trust West Calder

Gillian Mackay MSP was welcomed to Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre last week where she was greeted by a wagging tail reception!

Central Scotland MSP Gillian was interested to hear more about the charity’s work in Scotland after competing in Holyrood Dog of the Year in May with her sister’s cocker spaniel.  Alfie was rehomed from Dogs Trust, so Gillian is keen to promote the many positives of rehoming a rescue dog.

After being given a tour of the West Lothian centre and popping into a children’s education workshop which was underway, Gillian was introduced to current residents including Labrador Arthur.  Happily, Arthur has a new home lined up so will shortly leave kennels for his forever home.

Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner chatted to Gillian about the daily work at the centre and the recent expansion of the Home from Home fostering scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife.  The charity now has staff working in these areas rehoming dogs direct from foster homes and is always looking for more foster carers to get involved.  

Following her visit, Gillian Mackay MSP, said:  ”It was a pleasure to visit West Calder Rehoming Centre and to meet not only the lovely dogs but also the dedicated staff who take care of them and work so hard to find them new homes. 

“It was great to hear more about the lengths that charity goes to, to match each individual dog with their perfect home. I was also really interested to hear that some dogs are better suited to a foster home than kennels and how the charity is addressing this by rehoming more dogs in different areas thanks to their Home from Home Foster Scheme.

“After visiting the centre and seeing the different dogs available, I am keener than ever to encourage anyone looking to welcome a dog into their lives, to consider a rescue dog. With rescue dog Alfie in our family, I know what a difference he has made to our lives, so I feel the adopt don’t shop message is an important one.”

Susan Tonner said: “We were delighted to welcome Gillian to our Rehoming Centre to tell her more about our work in Scotland.  As she already has a rescue dog in her family it was clear how much she loved meeting some of our four-legged friends including Arthur, and the feeling was mutual. 

“We are very grateful for her support spreading the message that rehoming a rescue dog can be a really positive, life changing experience for both the family and the dog.”

Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine. Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk 

Anyone interested in rehoming can click here: 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/