With less than 10 weeks until Christmas, the Dogs Trust is on a mission to find the dogs in its care the one gift they all want – a home for life.
The charity is been under great pressure this year received over 32,000 handover enquiries so far from owners no longer able to care for their dogs. Thankfully, in 2024 so far, the charity has also found new homes for more than 6,000 dogs.
Tthe Dogs Trust penned the famous phrase “A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas” back in 1978, and they are looking for people to share their Christman and their life with a pooch this festive season.
Susan Tonner, Rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust West Calder, just outside Edinburgh says: “Christmas is fast approaching, and we are hoping to find forever homes for as many dogs as possible ahead of the festive season. While the DogsTrust team will make sure that the dogs in our care over Christmas are well looked after, with festive treats and gifts galore, we all know there’s nowhere quite like home. We are certain that there is a fantastic forever home for each and every one of ourdogs, and we’d like to see as many as possible settled in their new happy places ahead of Christmas.”
To see if you’re a potential match, just fill in an application form here with all your details and let the Dogs Tust match you up with a suitable pet.
They’ll then look at how closely your lifestyle matches the needs of the dog and, if you’re a great fit for your selected animal, they’ll invite you to meet your prospective up.
They may also organise a home check to make sure it’s suitable for your new family member.
You can also pop into the rehoming centre before submitting the application to see the dogs beforehand.
Here are 14 of the dogs currently looking for a home.
9. Lawson
Lawson is an 2-year-old German Shepherd. Lawson is a big friendly lad who is great fun to be around. He is at his best when spending time with his family doing some 1-2-1 training, playing games or having a snuggle on the sofa. He is looking for experienced owners who are familiar with the shepherd breed and are keen to continue his training. He can forget his manners when he is excited or bored and can do alert barking. He is looking for someone who can work on this with him and keep his mind and body busy! He is a young and energetic boy who would love to have an active family to take him on lots of exciting adventures in quiet areas and who are able manage his strength on the lead. Lawson is a happy boy who can live with children aged 16 and above and would like to be the only pet in the home. He struggles around other dogs and would like to walk in quiet, calm areas where he is unlikely to see other dogs. He is playful lad who loves to chase after his toys, especially his favourite squeaky alligator. He loves to interact with his people and prefers to play games with you instead of entertaining himself. He would love to have a garden where he can do lots of zoomies, continue his training and have fun with his family. | Dogs Trust
10. Stuart Little Shortlegs
Stuart Little Shortlegs is an 9 year old Jack Russell. Stuart Little Shortlegs is a cheeky wee chap who likes attention from the people he loves. Being so small in a big world, he is nervous by loud noises, and can be worried by people he doesn't know and takes time to make friends. He is looking for an adult only home and would like to be the only pet in the home. Stuart Little Shortlegs will love his owners unconditionally, he will always greet you with the cutest bum wiggle and happy smile. Stuart Little Shortlegs is looking for an adult only home with experienced owners who have had Terriers before. He would like his own garden where he can spend time off his lead playing or relaxing. Stuart Little Shortlegs does prefer the quiet life and would need a home with few visitors and a calm environment. | Dogs Trust
11. Harley
Harley is an 1 year old Great Dane crossbreed. Handsome Harley is a gentle giant with the sweetest personality. Harley is looking for a home with children aged 14 years and above and no other pets. Harley is still a young lad and would love to have owners who are keen to continue his training. Harley can be vocal when he see's other dogs and is looking for owners who are understanding of this and can walk him in quiet areas away from other dogs. As he is a big lad, he can be very strong on the lead and is looking for owners who have owned large breeds before and can manage his strength. He can be excitable when meeting new people and can forget his manners at times! Harley absolutely loves his toys, especially soft squeakies or footballs, and would like to have his own garden where he can play and stretch those long legs! | Dogs Trust
12. Kiera
Kiera is a 1 year old Belgian Malinois cross. Kiera is a super sweet girl who has come into our care from a background where she has not experienced much of normal everyday life but with the help of her foster carers, Kiera has been growing in confidence and excelling with her training. Kiera is looking for a home with owners who have owned a working breed or an active breed before and understand the level of exercise and mental stimulation that she will require. She will need an active home and could live with children aged 12 years old and above. Kiera can live with another playful dog of similar size who can match her energy levels! Kiera will need a home with an enclosed garden for her to play in and burn off some of her energy. | Dogs Trust