The UK’s rescue dogs are “sending Santa Paws” letters with help from their shelters to find a forever home.
Blue Cross, Dogs Trust and RSPCA Carers have written messages for Santa Paws on behalf of pups at their centers to encourage rescuers to use social media.
FEMAIL posted adorable pictures of the animals along with the letters online. Below is a collection of some of their most moving examples.
They include two-year-old Lurcher Mistletoe, based in west London, who Ever since December 2020 when Dog’s Trust rescued her, she has been longing for a home of her own.
Pomeranian Max (six-year-old) lives at Salisbury Dog Trust Centre and is currently looking for a new owner. He will be able to match Max’s enthusiasm, but will also allow him to have time to get acquainted with his family, build trust, and take the time to learn about them.
Adam Clowes (Operations Director, Dogs Trust) stated: “All our dogs deserve amazing lives in the arms of loving families and we hope that each dog we care for will find their perfect person soon.”
Our motto, “A dog is not only for Christmas”, is relevant and we urge anyone thinking about getting a dog not to rush and do some research.
They can be ready for a four-legged friend and feel confident that the dog will have everything it needs throughout their lives. 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.’
A Shih Tzu mix Gruffalo, the boy is quirky and is currently living at The Stubbington Ark in Hampshire. The four-year-old struggles to relax around new people as he’s had an unstable past and this has led to him feeling uncomfortable being handled – particularly with grooming – so he needs an experienced, adult-only home
Smiley Pomeranian Max, six, has been staying 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
Jake is seven years old and a Lurcher from Leeds. He has lived a somewhat chaotic life. He was originally handed over to Dogs Trust in May 2015 due to his owners’ change of work commitments. His age was only one. From 2015 to 2019, he was again rehomed. He was then returned in 2019 after his owner changed their personal circumstances. Jack is the most affectionate and sweetest boy. Jack is loved by all his handlers. They often find him in the kennel, giving him cuddles. His favorite thing is to curl up with his human friend on the couch. Jake’s unsettling life has caused him anxiety. Jake started a training program that has helped to increase his self-confidence with people new to him.
Spud is an 8-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier looking for his forever home at the Blue Cross Bromsgrove centre after a change of circumstances. He is an old dog but still loves to be loved and gets lots of attention.
Eight-year old Teddy is a sweet Jack Russell. He is always active and stays at Dogs Trust Glasgow. He enjoys his training sessions and playing with the squeaky toys. His energy is endless and he needs an owner who can be there for him. Teddy has been working hard at his training and is always learning new things. He is now looking for a home where he can continue his training with an experienced dog-owner. Before Teddy can go home, he needs to establish a bond with his family. It will take several meetings with the centre in order to establish a relationship before Teddy can go to his forever family. Teddy must be the only dog and can live alone with no children. To help Teddy settle down and enrich his life, he needs to be surrounded by people most of the time. The perfect place for him would be quiet, private and with few guests. He could also have a safe garden in which he can enjoy his favorite pastimes.
Greyhound Jay (two-year-old) is an ex racing Greyhound. He has been with Dogs Trust in Ilfracombe since January 2021, when he retired from the track. Jay is an instant favorite at the centre. He loves going on long walks with volunteers and staff. Jay is affectionate with an open heart and sensitive nature. Jay would prefer to live in a home with only him and his family. He’s looking for a slow pace of life and would love access to quiet walks away from the hustle and bustle. His adopters will need to be kind and understanding to help him adjust to his new home.
Lurcher biggles (who will turn three in January) has been living with Dogs Trust since 2012. He originally came to the centre as a stray, so there wasn’t a lot of history on him, though it was clear to see he was a hugely energetic chap who was enthusiastic, yet sensitive about the world around him. Biggles is lots of fun to be around, he loves his toys, learning and his food – all of which make him an excellent companion for reward-based training
Rambler, a seven-year-old foxhound, is staying at the Dogs Trust Merseyside. Rambler, a seven-year-old Foxhound who loves to play with dogs and greet people is an amazing character. He enjoys exploring the area in Foxhound fashion. He is a friendly, easy-going boy that loves people according to his team. He is strong but walks nicely on his lead and loves nothing more than chilling out with his friends when he’s had a chance to sniff to his heart’s content
Belgian Malinois Mali is four years old and came as a stray to Dogs Trust Newbury. The sweet and sensitive Mali is an extremely loving, but also very anxious girl who sometimes gets overwhelmed by the outside. Because of this she has been at the shelter for quite some time whilst it’s worked with her to help change some of those emotions and teach her better ways of coping, when she’s feeling like things are a bit too much. Mali is a brilliant, beautiful and smart girl who has achieved amazing results.
Newbury’s Patterdale Terrier mix Griff is also with Dogs Trust. Griff has been there since February after his owner died. His active nature and love to work his brain is what makes him a great boy. Griff loves food so much that he will go to any lengths to get it. It can be slow for Griff to meet new people, but once he has had a few meets, he’ll start to wail his tail in support of you.
Sweet Lurcher Stella is five years old and lives with Dogs Trust Shrewsbury. She was found as a stray so it’s not surprising that she likes to take her time to get to know people, so she knows she can trust them. Once she gets to know you well, Stella will be a loving friend who loves you and is happy to meet you. Stella can walk well with a lead, and she will happily ignore other dogs out and about. Stella enjoys her food, playing with her toys and can be found lying on her back watching the world move by.
Zuma is a crossbreed dog who lives in the Dogs Trust Kenilworth shelter. He’s a 3-year-old male and has a huge heart. Zuma loves to play with his toys and eats food. Staff love him. As well as being one of the many ways to his heart, they are a great reward when it comes to doing training with him – he’s always willing to learn if there is a tasty treat or a great game to be had! If you’ve got space in your home, and on your sofa, for this gorgeous boy you will be guaranteed a loyal canine companion, and lots of fun
Two-year old Crossbreed Zelda arrived at Dogs Trust Darlington on July 21st. She had lived a quiet life before she was rescued. Zelda hadn’t been out on walks or met other dogs or people before. She is very affectionate and loves cuddling from her friends, despite this lack of socialization. She loves human company and doesn’t like being on her own. Zelda is very interested in her classes and enjoys them. Zelda also loves to go for walks, and plays with her toys.
Eight-year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Chunk, is currently at Dogs Trust Bridgend, rehoming center after his owner died. He is a super-friendly boy who is missing his home comforts so he’d love a quiet home where he can enjoy cuddles, toys and treats which are just a few of his favourite things. He could live with children aged 14 and above but would need to be the only dog in his new home with access to quiet walks where he wouldn’t need to come into contact with many four-legged friends. A private, secure garden would be ideal so he can have a mooch around and play to his heart’s content
Two-year-old Lurcher Mistletoe was a stray who arrived at the Dogs Trust West London Centre as an animal. Little is known about her past. On Christmas Eve 2020, she was the first time that she came to the centre. Mistletoe, a beautiful little girl who knows her worth it, is truly stunning. While she can be shy at first, you’ll soon get to know Mistletoe and her bubbly personality.
Mistletoe needs a loving family to show her how it works and help her navigate the world. Mistletoe is a lover of dogs and would like to find a friend for her dog.
Akita Gucci (18 months old) has spent more than a year in the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter Exeter, Devon. While she waited for her forever family, Akita is now facing her second Christmas at kennels. This special dog is extremely affectionate and willing to share her love. However, she requires owners who are patient and can provide the necessary time and care.
Jake, a German Shepherd shepherd is currently in RSPCA kennels. Staff at Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire want to adopt him. Although Jake is an affectionate and gentle boy, he can sometimes be nervous around new dogs and is not a good match for other dogs. He loves attention and fuss from his family.
Playing with a tennisball is his favorite thing about the world. Nine-year-old wants an adult-only house in rural surroundings with no pets. He also needs experienced owners that can help him with his behavior issues.