Dog of the Week: Spencer @ Dogs Trust Shoreham

Introducing... Spencer!

Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Age: 4

Likes and Dislikes: I'm a gentle soul and I'm not enjoying being in kennels. I love a gentle potter around outside, taking in all the sights and especially smells. I like my treats - especially chewy bones - and will demonstrate a beautiful 'sit' for them! I like other dogs and would happily live with a canine companion.

Needs: I am currently being checked out for a problem with my back legs, which is yet to be diagnosed. I'll be on the Dogs Trust part foster scheme, though, so any treatment needed for this will be covered by Dogs Trust. I could live with children over 14 (or visiting kids from 12 and older).

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Shoreham on 01273 452576 or see more of my friends needing homes online.

Dog of the Week: Angel @ Dogs Trust Merseyside

Angel
Originally uploaded by Dogs Trust

Introducing... Angel!

Age: 7 months

Breed: Mastiff Cross

Likes and dislikes: I'm a youngster that's been living at Dogs Trust most of my life. I have some medical problems (see below) but love to play with my toys and be around people. I graduated from the Puppy 'Good Manners' Course with flying colours. I can live with other dogs and also with children who are 12+.

I don't like it when people take away my food and can show resource aggression, so I'll need some care over my training and behaviour.

Needs: I have undergone numerous tests (including an MRI scan) to determine my condition, as I'm unsteady on my feet. I've been diagnosed with a degenerative disease. I also have about 80% vision. I have good quality of life, though, and as long as I had an owner who was able to monitor my condition I would still make a great pet.

Dogs Trust is rehoming me on the full foster scheme, so they'll keep paying my medical bills.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Merseyside on 0151 480 0660, or if I'm not for you visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to see more of my friends who need homes.

Dog of the Week: Casper @ Dogs Trust Bridgend

Slightly belated due to the Greyhound campaign taking precedence on Friday.

Introducing... Casper!

Breed: Shih Tzu Crossbreed

Age: 6

Likes and Dislikes: In common with quite a few Shih Tzu's Dogs Trust has had recently, I have a strong personality so I'm not a lapdog! When I get used to you I will be very affectionate and loving, but until then I'll be a bit wary, especially when being handled. I'm told I was 'in a terrible condition' when I came into the centre, and their gentle care has turned me into this proud fella. See my smile? Great, isn't it?

Needs: Patience, mainly. If you don't crowd me and give me time to adjust, I'll be your best friend for life. I can happily live with another dog, though children and cats are out.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Bridgend on 01656 725219 or see the Dogs Trust website for other dogs needing homes.

Dog of the Week: Ernie @ Dogs Trust Newbury

Introducing... Ernie!

Age: 6

Breed: Crossbreed

Likes: Other dogs, playing and especially fetch! I'm full of beans, so I need an active family to help wear me out.

Dislikes: Not keen on being left on my own, and I will vocally let you know about it, but I'm fine if I've got another canine pal for company.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Newbury on 01488 658391 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Dog of the Week: Buster @ West Calder

Introducing... Buster!

There are so many deserving dogs of the week, that blog editor Alex had to ask our Twitter followers which one she should choose! @jrJuliejr chose me because her kids 'love my smile' and she enjoyed visiting me recently! Thanks, Julie.

Age: 10

Breed: Large Crossbreed

Likes and Dislikes: I'm a friendly, eager fellow who is a great favourite with walkers and volunteers who reward me with the biscuits I love! I'm housetrained and not destructive, but I do get a little anxious being left for long, so I'd need some work on that once I was securely settled in.

My favourite thing is getting off the lead to play football or dog tug-of-war! Don't be fooled by my age - there's plenty of life and enthusiasm in this slightly-older dog yet.

I'm fine with kids, but not cats. I'm sociable and happy to share my kennel with both male and female dogs.

Needs: I was well cared for in my last home, but developed a very strong bond with my owner to the point that I have a few anxieties and nervous behaviours. My carers say my new owner needs to be experienced and confident to help me get along and gently work on my fears without accidentally reinforcing them.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust West Calder on 01506 873459 or look online for more of my friends who need homes.

Dog of the Week: Winston @ Dogs Trust Kenilworth

Winston @ Dogs Trust Kenilworth
Originally uploaded by Dogs Trust

Age: 2 and a 1/2

Breed: Tri-Colour Collie

Likes and Dislikes: I'm a very active fellow who gets on well with other dogs, livestock and even cats. I can be a bit nervous and shy, needing time to warm up before I show you my affectionate side. I'd love an adult-only house with people who understand Collies and can keep up with me, ideally in the countryside as I can't get enough of it! I struggle quite a bit in kennels so would love a home sooner rather than later.

Contact: Dogs Trust Kenilworth on 01926 484398 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to see more dogs seeking homes.

Dog of the Week: Sharon @ Dogs Trust Shoreham

From Dogs Trust Flickr photostream

Breed: Cross

Age: 8

Likes, dislikes and needs: I'm a lovely girl who adores her carers but would like a home of my own even more. I have been at the centre for a very long time, and seek an adult-only home where I can get all the attention. No visiting children, please.

Contact: 01273 452576 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to see more dogs needing homes.

Dogs of the Week: Woody & Bobby @ Dogs Trust Salisbury

Introducing... Woody and Bobby!

Breed: Whippets

Age: 11

Likes: We're a friendly, cuddly pair who sleep snuggled up and are happy to eat out of the same bowl. Despite our ages we've still got lots of energy - Bobby's still very fond of his walks whereas Woody would like to exercise but has to keep to shorter strolls due to a slipped disk. We like travelling, pottering about and getting plenty of affection.

Dislikes: Not a lot! We suppose we prefer a quieter life, but can still live with children provided they're not very young and energetic!

Needs: Anyone with space for two gentle pals with a love of cuddles.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Salisbury on 01980 629634 or see more dogs needing homes.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Mutt-erly Love @ Evesham | Solomon @ Salisbury

Dogs of the Week: Mutt-erly Love @ Dogs Trust Evesham

A slightly different format for the dog of the week this week!

Dogs Trust Evesham has seen Mother's Day come and go, but is still looking for homes for a couple of family pairings who'd like to stick together.

First meet 8 year old Tara and her 5 year old son Basil. Both are very cheery, friendly dogs and could live with children aged over eight. Dogs Trust staff say they need to find a home together because their family bond is so tight that they could become depressed without each other for company.

The second pooch pair are 10 year old Mamma May and her 5 year old daughter Anna. Mamma May is a happy old soul but daughter Anna worries if they are not together. They can live with children aged over twelve and may be able to share a home with cats.

Chris Slight, Dogs Trust centre manager, explains:

“I know lots of parents joke about their grown-up offspring who just won’t leave home, but both of these mother and son or daughter pairs adore each other so much it would be heartbreaking to rehome them separately.

They are looking for understanding owners who will provide lots of love and the occasional meaty treat, and Dogs Trust will be on hand to support new owners with training.”

If you are interested in rehoming Tara and Basil or Mamma May and Anna please contact Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830613.

Dog of the Week: Solomon @ Dogs Trust Salisbury

Introducing... Solomon!

Age: 7

Breed: Labrador Crossbreed

Likes: I'm a dapper fellow who has two great loves: food and my female doggy pals. I'm playful and affectionate, friendly with people and dogs (boys too, though I show favouritism to girls!), and came into care through no fault of my own.

Dislikes: None, really! I'm a well-behaved lad. I even get on with children provided they're sensible and not too young.

Needs: A family!

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Salisbury on 01980 629634 or see more dogs needing homes.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Mr. Shih Tzu @ Dogs Trust Harefield | Robbie @ Dogs Trust West Calder

Dog of the Week: Mr. Shih Tzu @ Dogs Trust West London (Harefield)

(Continuing this week's Shih Tzu theme!) Introducing... Mr Shih Tzu!

Breed: Guess. ;)

Age: 7

Likes: I'm happy to have dog friends, but it is imperative I live as a lone pet since I get very jealous and make this known. My routine is very important to me: the same food at the same time, every day. I need to be groomed carefully - watching the face; I only have one eye!

Dislikes: I'd like to make this very clear - I'm NO LAP DOG and do not like to be over handled or forced to do anything. I tend to be grumpy and only wants attention when I want it, little and often. I've been known to bite, and need to be muzzled at the vet.

Needs: I've had some bad experiences in my time, so the Dogs Trust crew say I need to be gently taught the basics and have my training sorted out. I have to make friends with everyone in the household otherwise I'll get jealous and bite the members of the family I haven't bonded with. I can live with sensible older children (14+) and it would be good if they have experience of difficult dogs or Terriers.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust West London on 01895 453 930 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Dog of the Week: Robbie @ Dogs Trust West Calder

Introducing... Robbie!

Age: 2

Breed: Crossbreed

Likes: I had a pretty rough start in life, being alternately mistreated and neglected, so my favourite thing is being treated really gently and lovingly. Once you've gained my trust, my favourite thing is curling up on your lap and getting a lovely cuddle! Long walks and fetch / tug games are also high on my list of fun things to do. I'm currently living with a foster family and getting on well with them and their three friendly dogs, and I'm gaining confidence gradually.

Dislikes: I find it hard to trust people, and men in particular, though I've come a long way in the foster programme, Home from Home.

Needs: I'll need patient adult owners, preferably who don't have any other pets although I could benefit from a calm, older female who'll help me keep making progress. I'm very clean in the house but couldn't be left alone much. Dogs Trust have said they'll be there to help my new owners every step of the way, and they know from experience that when I feel happier I'm the most playful and affectionate friend you could have.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust West Calder on 01506 873459 or see more dogs seeking homes online.

Previous Dog(s) of the Week: Carna @ Dogs Trust Snetterton | Cloud @ Dogs Trust Bridgend

Dog of the Week: Carna @ Dogs Trust Snetterton

Introducing... Carna!

Age: 8

Breed: Beagle Crossbreed

Likes: I'm super-friendly, sociable and excitable! I love the company of people and dogs, especially if I'm having a nice lead walk. I'm told my big brown eyes are thoroughly irresistible!

Dislikes: I'm not keen on big cuddles.

Needs: I'm told that despite only being half-Beagle, I'm quite typical of the breed, so if you know a lot about Beagles it would be especially good to hear from you. I don't mind older kids, say 14-16+, either, and would happily share with another dog.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Snetterton on 01953 498377 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Cloud @ Dogs Trust Bridgend

Dog of the Week: Cloud @ Dogs Trust Bridgend

Introducing... Cloud!

Age: 8 months

Breed: Collie

Likes: I'm a very intelligent, very active quick learner whose house trained and pretty good off-lead too. I like other dogs, even though the centre staff are still working on my socialisation. To get me used to a home environment, I've been living in foster care. I love my food, and will do anything for it... perhaps that's why I'm so enthusiastic about training!

Dislikes: Nothing much, really! I'm loving, friendly - I even like cats!

Needs: I am deaf, so I need an owner who is prepared to put a little extra work into training me. Dogs Trust are willing to give lots of advice to my new owner, and say it would be better if they've had Collies before so they understand how sprightly and active we are!

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Bridgend on 01656 725219 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Dog of the Week: Holly @ Dogs Trust Canterbury

Introducing... Holly!

Breed: Chocolate Crossbreed

Age: 2

Likes: I can be a bit nervous, so I like a calm, quiet atmosphere with gentle people around. I'm pretty good with other dogs, too. I've never met a cat, so I might like them - I'm not sure!

Dislikes: Noise and stressful situations make me scared.

Needs: I would love calm, experienced and understanding adult owners to make a fuss of me and help me get used to a forever home.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Canterbury on 01227 792505 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Lurchers @ Dogs Trust Evesham (Jasmine, Nigella and River still available on day of posting!)

Dog(s) of the Week: Bereaved Lurcher Pups @ Dogs Trust Evesham

I'm breaking format for this week's Dog of the Week, thanks to a sudden rehoming appeal that landed on my desk this afternoon. No less than eight Lurcher x Collies are now awaiting rehoming at Dogs Trust Evesham thanks to the sudden and unexpected death of their owner.

The dogs - five adults and three puppies - were being cared for by a friend while the owner was on holiday. The carer turned to Evesham for help when the tragedy occurred, and the centre stepped forward to take on the lovely canine family.

It never seems like the right time to think about these things, but I should mention that Dogs Trust does offer a completely free Canine Care Card, which gives owners peace of mind that the charity will look after their dog in the event of their death. You can find out more about this by calling 01386 834 875.

The dogs can be rehomed separately - we wouldn't ask anyone to take on so many together! - but would benefit from an existing dog in the home or going home as a pair as they can be nervous away from the familiar company of the pack.

Two of the pups have now been booked but 3-year-olds Jasmine, River, Sage, Bay and Nigella (all pictured above) and the remaining 4-month-old pup Angus are still looking for homes. Can you open yours for these gorgeously scruffy pooches?

Call Dogs Trust Evesham 01386 830 613.

Dog of the Week: Hinny @ Dogs Trust Kenilworth

Introducing... Hinny!

Age: 5

Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback Crossbreed

Likes: I'm a friendly lad who loves company more than anything and who has been overlooked for no particular reason my carers can think of! I get on well with older children and other dogs, too.

Dislikes: I'm not very keen on being left alone for long periods of time.

Needs: I'm best off with owners who have experience of big breed dogs which is why I'm really better suited to teenagers, too!

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Kenilworth or 01926 484 398 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Tiger @ Evesham | Isobel @ Ilfracombe

Christmas Dog of the Week: Tiger @ Dogs Trust Evesham

Although our Rehoming Centres do not send any dogs home during the upheaval of the Christmas period, there are some dogs who are hoping that, as much as they love their carers, this is their last Christmas without a family of their own. One such is this little fellow, who is about to celebrate his 2nd Christmas at Evesham Rehoming Centre.

Introducing... Tiger!

Age: 4-5

Breed: Terrier

Likes: I'm a bouncy, energetic chap who loves toys and needs plenty of long walks and an active family. I was found as a stray in June 2007 and no-one can work out why I've been overlooked for a new home so far!

Dislikes: I am not very keen on kennels; I'm so ready for a proper family life that it's stressing me out a bit. As a result I don't want to share my space with other pets.

Needs: I'm told I'm a very bright boy, so people who like to train and teach dogs tricks would find a very rewarding companion in me! I'm happy to live with older children (12+), too.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830613 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Isobel @ Ilfracombe | Dollar @ Canterbury


REHOMING UPDATE: Tiger found a new family and as now settled in with his forever owners! Thanks all for your interest in his progress.

Dog of the Week: Isobel @ Dogs Trust Ilfracombe

Introducing... Isobel!

Age: 5

Breed: Dalmatian

Likes: I am deaf, which is relatively common among my breed. I like going out and playing with other dogs, am very good on the lead and am quite happy to live with cats, although I do try to steal their food!

Dislikes: I'm pretty relaxed, as long as things aren't too bustling; I can't hear so sudden moves are a bit scary.

Needs: I did go to one home for a few weeks but as I need that extra bit of time, effort, training and socialisation I could not stay there and came back to Dogs Trust, where I'm looking for a quiet but active home. I'd love an owner with either Dalamatian experience or a willingness to research the breed and make sure I'd fit in with their lifestyle.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Ilfracombe on 01271 812709 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Dollar @ Canterbury | Benji @ Evesham

Dog of the Week: Dollar @ Dogs Trust Canterbury

Introducing... Dollar!

Age: 15 months

Breed: Crossbreed

Likes: I'm young and lively but I can get nervous, so I'm most fond of quiet surroundings. I have had other dogs with me since I was a tiny pup, so I really do want a companion to show me the ropes.

Dislikes: I can get a bit nervous and worried in unfamiliar circumstances.

Needs: Patient adult humans who will help me trust people again, and a friendly four-legged companion to help me settle in.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Canterbury on 01227 792505 or see other dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Shadow @ Glasgow | Benji @ Evesham