Blue-eyed, sweet-natured pup Rudy is among numerous dogs that need a new home this Christmas.
The fun-loving, 11-month-old crossbreed, who is a little deaf, is one of many pooches at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home looking for a second chance at life.
Cases such as Rudy is why we are urging Sunday People readers to back our Help a Dog Christmas appeal , in association with Battersea’s In From The Cold Campaign.
TV host and dog fan Paul O’Grady is right behind us.
Gentle giant Obi, whose eye condition means he can’t produce tears is another dog seeking a home. He has been at Battersea for more than 200 days, the average stay is 35.
Battersea’s re-homing and welfare manager Becky Maciver said: “There is a misconception that rescue dogs are damaged but they make the most loving pets.
"I would encourage anyone looking for a new dog to consider adopting from Battersea.”
Readers can contact Battersea if they want to adopt any of the dogs featured below - find full details at the bottom of the article.
Pickle
Nine-year-old Pickle is a happy, friendly girl who thrives off the company of humans. She really proves that Staffies are some of the softest dogs around.
Despite being in the prime of her life, Pickle has the energy of a dog half her age and really has a lifetime of love to give.
Obi
He’s a crossbreed looking for patient owners who can administer the eye drops he need to stop his peepers getting red and sore.
He is almost eight and loves cuddles, carrot sticks and exploring the outdoors.
Briggs
An energetic lurcher who just loves to play, two-year-old Briggs is looking for active and enthusiastic owners who have the time and patience to provide him with lots of mental and physical exercise.
Luna
Just a year and five months old, Luna is a vivacious and affectionate dog with plenty of energy.
She is looking for active owners who will fall in love with her sharp mind and high energy levels.
Franc
This French bulldog, aged two, is a sweet little bundle of energy who loves his toys, his food, and meeting other pooches.
Franc is looking for owners who are confident and experienced in socialising dogs.
Rocky
This two-year-old chihuahua will happily shower his owners with kisses and love.
Slightly nervous, he will need to live in a mature household with no young children where he can build his confidence.
Jessie
He was a yard dog, spending all his time tethered to a kennel.
As a result he has found it difficult to adjust to being a normal pet dog but Battersea staff have found he is very intelligent and enjoys learning new tricks.
Jack
An elegant ex-racing greyhound, four-year-old Jack has spent all of his life living in kennels.
He is fast but prefers to sleep on the sofa and is looking for an owner’s new arms to run into for a cuddle.
Beau
Four-year-old Shar-Pei Beau is very energetic and loves to play with toys and her favourite people.
She’d make a great addition to the family and has lots of love to give.
Beau is looking for owners who have previously owned Shar-Peis and can understand her breed.
Jet
Aged just two, Jet is a typical young dog, who has plenty of energy and enthusiasm to burn.
However, underneath his exuberant exterior Jet is a sensitive little soul and is looking for new owners to show him how to be the most confident dog that he can be.
Buddy
Brave little Buddy was abandoned at Battersea’s gates in October and was very anxious at first.
He’s now come out of his shell and shown his quirky little personality.
He is looking for an adult-only, calm household with new owners that can slowly help to build his confidence.
Poppy
Poppy came into Battersea after her family had a new baby, meaning that they were unable to give this energetic girl all of the attention she needed.
New owners must have lots of time and patience to build a bond with her and allow her to settle in in her own time.
Gump
One-year-old American Bulldog Gump came into Battersea in October, suffering with a skin condition, after he was sadly found abandoned and tied up to a park bench.
Thanks to staff’s hard work, Gump is now healthy enough to be looking for a warm home ahead of Christmas. He is a big, lovable, bouncy character who is really eager to learn.
Larry
German Shepherd Larry, who is four years eight months old, came into Battersea in November 2018 after a change in his owner’s circumstances.
At over a year, he is one of the charity’s longest staying residents.
Despite being a big dog, Larry can be a little unsure when meeting new people but quickly makes friends when someone plays with him and his favourite toys – tennis balls.
Last winter 14,000 pets were left out in the cold. But thanks to kind-hearted people like you, the staff at Battersea were able to bring them in to the warmth, administer life-saving care and give them the love and attention they deserved until they found a home of their own.
Now we’re calling on you to help us do the same this winter.
£5 could help buy a Christmas present for a homeless dog, including treats and a toy, to make them feel loved during their stay with us.
£10 could help pay for skin treatment or medical shampoo, helping relieve their pain and restore them back to health
£25 could pay for bedding and a blanket for a homeless dog, keeping them warm and cosy while we care for them.
You can donate online at Battersea.org.uk/sundaypeople or call 02076277883.
To find out more about re-homing one of these dogs you can also call 0800 001 4444 or visit battersea.org.uk/rehoming .
Battersea will always ensure that your gift goes wherever the need is greatest.
