A dog rehoming shelter is closing its doors over Christmas to deter people from getting dogs and other animals as gifts during the festive period.
Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter will shut to the public from December 19 and won’t reopen until January 7, in an effort to stop people from impulse buying dogs over the holidays.
“Animals aren’t presents, they’re lives,” says Charlene Bradwell, assistant welfare manager at the shelter.
“They’ve got feelings, and they’re so perceptive of their surroundings.”
“Animals, especially dogs, take up so much - they need so much from you. It’s a massive commitment,” she adds.
For anyone who considers getting a dog at Christmas time, staff are urging them to avoid getting caught up in the festive spirit and remember that the holiday season is typically very different to the rest of the year.
“A lot of people do have time off over Christmas, which is lovely,” says Beth Codling, the shelter's digital and partnerships manager. “But people have to remember they might spend two weeks with this dog, or cat, or rabbit - and then they’re going back to work, and they’re just being left.”
Beth adds that the upheaval of Christmas isn’t the most suitable time to welcome a new pet into the house.
“You will tend to be seeing family - you have people over, or you’re out for longer periods of time. And that’s not what any animal needs, especially a rescue,” she warns.
“They need that time to bond with you; to get used to you and your house. And to be either leaving them alone or then having masses of people around, that’s not what they need.”
For the dogs who will be spending Christmas in the rescue shelter, staff make sure that the day is extra special.
The pups will be served up Christmas dinner, and are each given a present to unwrap.
Most importantly, staff are on hand to spend quality time with the dogs - whether it’s heading out for a winter walk, playing with their new toys, or getting plenty of extra cuddles.
In lieu of rehoming dogs over the festive period, the shelter has launched a Christmas campaign calling for donations from dog lovers who want to help out the rescue pups.
This year the shelter hopes to raise funds for their heating bills, which cost a staggering £47,000 a year. Donations can be made online , over the phone, or in person at the shelter.
