Rescue centres in Wales raise awareness of deserving dogs needing a home.
Despite over a million dogs and cats seeking homes in the UK, just half of Brits consider rescuing a pet.
Cardiff rescue centre, The Rescue Hotel, are on the hunt to find new homes for their furry residents this Easter so they can experience their happily ever after.
According to Mars Petcare’s recent State of Pet Homelessness Project, sadly over a million cats and dogs in the UK currently find themselves without a home. Out of those contemplating getting a dog, only half (58 per cent) said they would consider re-homing from a rescue centre meaning many animals still face a long wait before finding their perfect match.
The Easter holidays can be a great time for families to find a new furry family member and settle them into their homes, so The Adoption Mission Programme from Pedigree & Whiskas is working with rescue centres to encourage prospective owners to consider adopting.
Here are some of the egg-cellent pooches currently looking for a home:
Loki
Five-month-old Loki is a Shepherd cross with the cutest ears!
He will require an active home full of love. Loki is a fast learner; he is full of fun and typical puppy carnage.
Please keep in mind he is still growing and is most likely going to be a large dog.
Loki could do with being homed with a large older breed dog to show him the ropes.
He’s a young boy who has never known stability – could you give him the home he needs?
If you would like to apply to adopt Loki, please visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/2024/03/loki/
Gypsy
Sadly 14-year-old Gypsy has been abandoned in her twilight years.
She is a sweet girl wanting to find a loving and peaceful home.
She is wobbly on her back legs and her mind is sometimes a little forgetful, but Gypsy doesn’t let age get in her way, she loves to walk and is able to jump up on the chair to watch the world go by.
If you would like to apply to adopt Gypsy, please visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/2024/03/gypsy/
Ronald
Ron is a Corgi cross believed to be around six years old.
He came in as a stray and needed emergency surgery but has recovered well.
He has a quirky personality and loves to be around people.
If you would like to apply to adopt Ronald, please visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/2024/03/ronald/
Dorris
Dorris is a young bulldog who has been handed in as a stray.
She was let down by humans and did not arrive at the rescue hotel in the best state, but thanks to the care she has received, she is on the right path to a healthy and happy life.
Dorris wants nothing more than love and is the sweetest girl who showers you with affection.
If you would like to apply to adopt Dorris, please visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/2024/03/dorris/
Ffion
French bulldog, Ffion, is approximately one years old.
She is a happy go lucky girl who loves all humans and has shown good manners around other dogs.
She is a fast learner and loves adventures. She just wants to be loved and craves human interaction.
She could potentially live with children who are respectful of her space, and she could also potentially live with other neutered dogs, as long as feed times and play times are managed.
If you would like to apply to adopt Ffion, please visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/give-a-dog-a-home/re-homing-registration/
Muffin
Little miss Muffin is unfortunately the longest standing resident at the rescue centre. She is an active three-year-old Chow Chow who has now been returned after a long foster period.
Muffin’s new family must have good experience of the breed. She has her own goofy personality that any Chow lover will understand and fall in love with.
If you would like to apply to adopt Muffin, please visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/give-a-dog-a-home/re-homing-registration/
Myka
Beautiful Bully girl Myka is around three years old.
Myka is looking for a nice a calm adult only home, where she can relax.
She is a real love bug once she is comfortable in your presence and has been enjoying her walks.
If you would like to apply to adopt Myka, please visit: https://www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk/give-a-dog-a-home/re-homing-registration/
For those about to welcome a new dog, or have recently welcomed one, Pet Behaviourist, Dr Tammie King, from Mars Petcare shares here top tips on how to make it a smooth transition for pet parents and their new pet.
Dr King says: “Bringing home your new dog is incredibly exciting, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. The truth is change can be stressful for dogs, just like it is for humans. Your new furry friend doesn’t yet know you, your family or your house. However, the good news is there’s lots you can do to make the transition a smoother one…”
Preparation Before Arrival:
Dog-Proof Your Home: Ensure your living space is safe by removing any hazards or items your dog might chew on. Make sure they can’t get their paws on anything they shouldn’t such as cooked bones, onions, garlic or leeks from your Easter dinner or chocolate and sweet treats you might have laying around, all of which can be toxic for dogs and cats.
Essentials: Stock up on necessities like a balanced dog food, bowls, a lead, collar, a comfy bed, and toys.
Time Off Work: If you work, it’s a good idea to take a few days off so you can fully devote yourself to getting your dog settled in.
Day One:
Calm Introduction: When picking up your dog, keep the environment quiet and calm. Space out introductions if you have kids or other pets to avoid overwhelming your new furry friend.
Start Small: Lots of new places will also be overwhelming for your new pet, instead of offering up the run of the house, just start off with a small area. For example, when you first get home, take your dog out to go to the toilet and then let them settle into one room.
Establish Routine: Start easing them into a routine from the get-go, so that your dog knows when it’s time for a walk, a play, rest or something to eat.
Familiarity: If possible, keep your dog’s diet exactly as it was before you picked them up. Not only will this provide familiar tastes and smells, but it’s kinder on your dog’s stomach. After a few days, you can start introducing new food, mixing it in gradually.
Day two and three:
New House Rules: If you have young kids, keep gently reminding them of the rules – the dog should be approached gently and respectfully (ideally asking the dog to come to them) and is not to be disturbed when sleeping or eating.
Independence: Start gently getting your dog used to the idea that you won’t be around every single minute. A good way to ease into this is using baby gates so that you can leave your dog alone in a room for short periods of time while you’re still in the house and gradually building up into longer absences.
In the following days and weeks:
Patience: Your dog’s true personality won’t come out until a few weeks after you bring them home so it’s important to be patient and understanding and keep to the routine you’ve established.
Don’t by scared to ask for advice: If you’ve adopted, it’s worth contacting the shelter for advice. They have a wealth of information on pets in their care and are experts in using all the information and resources at their disposal to carefully find the right match between adopters and pets and help the adoption succeed.
The Adoption Mission partners with the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes – to find a shelter near you and for more information on pet adoption, visit: https://adch.org.uk
For further pet care advice please visit: https://shine.waltham.com/ and https://www.uk.pedigree.com/puppy-advice
