Staff at Dogs Trust Salisbury are calling on local animal lovers to consider opening their homes and hearts to a rescue dog while remembering the charity’s iconic slogan, A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas.
This year, the team have rehomed 372 dogs to loving new families but as the New Year approaches, there are four homeless hounds who all have their paws crossed that 2022 will be the year they find their perfect forever home.
1. Lupo
Lupo, a five-year-old German shepherd cross, arrived at Dogs Trust Salisbury in May when his owner became unwell and could no longer care for him.
He is a sweet boy who loves to be around people he knows - and once he knows you, he loves a fuss and a cuddle.
Lupo struggles to be left alone for too long so his new family will need to be around most of the day initially whilst he settles in.
He is a clever boy and knows sit, down and paw – but is keen to learn more.
To find out more click here.
2. Max
Max, who is a six-year-old Pomeranian, has been at Dogs Trust Salisbury for the last two years.
He’s a cheeky boy who is happiest when he is out on a walk – he loves walking across the fields.
Despite his happy enthusiastic personality, Max does find some aspects of life a challenge so his new owners will need to be prepared to take things slowly and work with the centre’s expert behaviour team prior to adoption to ensure he can make a smooth transition into home life.
He is looking for an adult-only home where he can have his own space to relax in when visitors come over, and where he can eat and sleep without being interrupted. He would also need to be the only pet in the home.
Max is a keen student and loves to learn. He’s eager to please and forms a very strong bond with people he knows, especially if it involves a tasty treat.
Max would make a loving companion in the right home, he just needs an understanding family to offer that to him.
To find out more click here.
3. Kiko
Kiko, a Staffordshire bull terrier cross, is looking for a quiet, adult-only home she can call her own.
She can be a little worried with new people and unfamiliar noises so she’d love a home with few visitors in a rural location away from the hustle and bustle.
She'll need to be the only pet in the home but would benefit from calm, confident walking buddies.
The five-year-old is a bright spark and knows lots of tricks – she even puts her toys away in the toy box.
Being an outside kinda girl, Kiko will need a good-size, secure garden where she can run around with her toys, explore and play safely. Although Kiko can appear to be a little stern on first appearances, she is an extremely sensitive young lady. Once she gets to know you, she’ll be a friend for life.
To find out more click here.
4. Wilbur
Wilbur may be 11 years old, but he is still super active.
He’s a Pointer cross who loves using his nose to sniff out exciting things. His most treasured item to find is his tennis ball and loves searching for one during 'find it' games.
Wilbur isn't fond of loud noises which take him by surprise so he’d suit a quiet but active adult-only home with no visiting children.
Wilbur will need to be the only pet in the home. His new owners must be comfortable taking on a rescue dog that has shown resource guarding behaviours (not wanting to share things he considers to be highly valuable such as food!) in the past.
He’ll need to sleep downstairs in his own room at night as he likes his peace and quiet in his own space.
Potential adopters will need to visit several times prior to adoption and must live no more than one hour from the rehoming centre so our behaviour team can provide ongoing support.
To find out more click here.
'A dog is for life not just for Christmas'
Claire Rowe, the manager at Dogs Trust Salisbury, said: “These dogs 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.
“We hope this year our message ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ comes across loud and clear. With demand for dogs still at an all-time high, we would really encourage people to make sure now is the right time to welcome a dog into your family.
“Dog ownership is wonderful and we’re simply asking that people are sure they are ready for the long-term commitment that comes with it. With more people at home during the festive period, they might think it’s the perfect time to get a dog. For some this will be the case, but we’re asking would-be owners how your life will need to change to accommodate your four-legged friend, once the festive period is over.
“If you’ve done your research and there is still a dog-shaped space in your life, then it may be the right time for you. Take a look at our website, where you can find more details about all the lovely pooches currently in our care who are looking for their forever homes.”
How to find out more
Visit: dogstrust.org.uk/our-centre/salisbury
Get more Salisbury news.
You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.
If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.
Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here