Today we're joined by animal lover Joe Swash who is going to show us some of the casualties of this Christmas with pets who need re-homing
ABANDONED PETS CASE STUDIES:
1. Thelma
Thelma is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, aged approx 3 or 4 months. With rescue dogs there is no knowing for sure. She was abandoned in the lead up to Christmas by owners who most likely didn't realise the work and expense that goes into having a dog. At the moment she's in foster care but is looking for a loving home.
Brought in by: All Dogs Matter
Temperament: Cheeky, opinionated
2. Turnip
Beautiful Turnip is an English Cocker Spaniel who arrived as a stray on the 27th December after he was found straying in someone's garden. A gorgeous puppy he ceratinly is, but not for the faint hearted. He's a bundle of energy and is very intelligent so will need active owners who are prepared to give him lots to do. He has already learnt to use his voice to get people's attention but in the right home will make a fun and affectionate companion.
Brought in by: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Temperament: Energetic, full of beans, intelligent, active, happy
3. Humbug
Humbug is a 7 week year-old kitten who was found crying underneath a car by a passing person on the 27th December. The exact circumstances of his abandonment are unknown but he may very well have been an unwanted Christmas present.
Brought in: Celia Hammond Animal Trust
4. Edwin
Edwin is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross puppy who was found wandering the streets on December the 27th. Edwin is a lovely natured young boy who is a joy to be around. He is pretty chilled out for a pup and is as happy sitting down for a quiet cuddle as he is playing games. The lovely lad had some nice manners already in place but he would like to find a family who can teach him some new tricks. Whoever takes Edwin into their lives will be rewarded with such a loving companion.
Brought in by: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Temperament: Sweet-natured, gentle, chilled out, loving, cuddly
5. Dusky
Life for this 1 year-old golden lurcher wasn't looking good over the Christmas holidays. Before Christmas he arrived at his local pound as a stray. A local shelter offered to take him in to find him a loving home. He's made a big impression on everybody since arriving at the shelter.
Brought in by: Wood Green Animal Shelter
Temperament: Lovely and friendly
6. Lionel
Brought into: Dogs Trust Harefield
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TAKING ON A PET:
- Work and travel schedule - If you work long hours and travel a lot, consider how much time, if any, you may have to devote to a pet
- Time constraints - Dogs need to be walked, trained and kept on a tight schedule and cats need attention to thrive in their home
- List your expectations - Take the time to think about how much time you want to dedicate to play, exercise and training your new pet. Kittens and puppies need lots of training while many adult pets in shelters and rescues are often trained, kid-tested and better suited for an active household
- Figure out your pet budget - Take the time to do the maths first to see if you are able to afford a pet
- Long-term commitment - Many dogs will live from 12-15-years-old and an indoor cat from 15-20 years-old
- Pet deal breakers - Some people won't tolerate barking, others can't handle any destructive behaviour and others may have problems dealing with excess medical issues
- Consider timing when adding a pet - Adding the surprise of a pet to the midst of Christmas chaos is very stressful to a new pet