Two dogs 'left behind' at an animal centre for more than eight months just need to be loved.
The RSPCA saw a sharp spike in searches for rehoming a dog with 68% more visits to the Find A Pet section of their website, and views of their rehoming a dog information spike by 87%.
Now they are running an 'Adoptober' rehoming drive campaign this month after seeing “unprecedented levels of interest” in rehoming dogs during lockdown.
That is because there are still some dogs who are being 'left behind' and so two are being highlighted in particular.
Read more: Rescue centre bids goodbye to dog who died of a brain tumour in heartfelt post
In 2020, the RSPCA rehomed 4,877 dogs, 239 of them being in Wales.
However, for those overlooked it has been a long wait for adoption.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “While most of our animals were snapped up quickly, there are some who have sadly been overlooked time and time again because of their colour, breed, age or background.
“This Adoptober, we want to try to find homes for all of the wonderful dogs who remain with us.”
Scooby, an eight-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Paul, a four-year-old Labrador have both been at RSPCA’s Llys Nini Centre at Penllergaer near Swansea for more than eight months now.
The centre has even run specific social media appeals for the dogs to no avail.
Scooby the adoring Staffy
Scooby is described by staff as a very loving dog who adores attention, food and playing with his toys.
He needs owners who can provide him with some direction through training and help teach him to be calm, as he can be easily startled and have access to quiet walks while he adjusts to his new life.
Scooby has quite stiff and arthritic hind legs and will require long-term anti-inflammatory pain relief.
He needs an adult only home with no other pets and experience or knowledge of the breed is preferable.
Find out more about Scooby.
Paul the playful Lab
This playful dog had a difficult start to life after his first owner could not fulfill his needs and he was taken in by the animal centre.
He loves quiet walks in fields and woodland, sniffing for food in the grass, a game of tug and rolling on his back with a soft toy. He enjoys his training and knows ‘sit’, ‘down’, and ‘drop’.
Once he gets to know you, Paul is an incredibly good-natured dog, but he is also a sensitive soul and would prefer a calm, quiet adult-only household, with a maximum of two people.
He may be able to live with a well mannered female dog, but would prefer not to live with cats.
Paul has suffered from fits whilst in the care of the centre. He has started on treatment to control them which he will need to stay on for life, so a quiet and stress free new home is essential for him.
Find out more about Paul.
Dr Gaines said, “Our advice to anyone thinking of getting a dog is to do lots of research first to ensure that you can meet the needs of a dog.
“They are a huge commitment and responsibility, but they’re also a wonderful addition to the family and are sure to bring you lots of joy and happiness.”
To get the latest newsletters from WalesOnline, click here
