It always bears repeating that pets are for life, not just for Christmas.
With that being said, there is something particularly heartbreaking about animals spending the holidays in shelters instead of snuggled up by the fire in a loving home.
If you’ve already put serious thought into it and decided that a pet is what’s missing from your life, take a look at these hairy angels who desperately need forever homes and check out what their adoption agencies have to say about them…
Nala
Age: Two
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
The charity says: ‘Two-year-old black cat Nala is a friendly girl who loves a fuss and to explore after a long day of playing with her toys. Rods, string, and balls are her favourite toys, she loves to chase and pounce on them.
‘She is a super loving girl who is looking for a home where she will be the only pet.’
Interested in adopting her? Go to the Blue Cross website.
Noah
Age: Three
Breed: Lurcher/cross
The charity says: ‘Noah is a handsome lad who stands out from the crowd with his blonde and fluffy long-haired coat. He is a friendly boy who adores his human friends, and he is very affectionate and will happily cuddle up next to you on the sofa to help keep you warm and cosy. Noah likes his food; he will never say no to a biscuit or two.
‘As a young Lurcher, Noah is full of energy and would enjoy a large garden where he can play with his toys and run around freely. Noah is always excited to go for walks, but he doesn’t feel comfortable around other dogs so prefers to explore quiet areas. He is good when travelling in the car and enjoys travelling to go on new adventures and have fun. Noah is looking for an adult only home, without pets. Anyone interested in our beautiful blond bombshell should be willing to meet him a few times to build a bond before he goes to his forever home.’
Interested in adopting Noah? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Freddie
Age: Four
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Shar Pei cross
The charity says: ‘There is never a dull moment with Freddie around – he always puts a smile on his carer’s faces and fills the day with laughter and snuggles. Freddie loves the finer things in life such as going for walks where he can have a good sniff at everything and taking in all the sights and smells. He loves his toys and does the happiest dance when he receives a new toy to play with- his favourites include footballs, squeaky unicorns and giant stuffed teddies that he loves to carry around or bring over to you to play with. Freddie is also very food orientated which is great for doing fun feeds with him like destruction parcels, kongs or puzzle feeders. He also loves using his brain and enjoys training, learning tricks and engaging with his favourite people.
‘Freddie can live in a home with children aged 14 years and over but wouldn’t suit any young visiting children and will need adults only to walk him. His new home requires a secure, private garden where he can relax and have lots of off lead fun. Freddie needs to be the only pet in the home with no neighbouring dogs and would like to be walked in quiet areas with a low dog population. He will happily jump into the car to go to new places. Other dogs can worry him so he must be kept on lead when on his travels. Anyone interested in adopting Freddie will need to be able to separate him from the front door. This happy, big boy will make a wonderful companion for his special someone.’
Interested in adopting Freddie? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Kuzey
Age: 10
Breed: Akita
The charity says: ‘Elderly Akita Kuzey has been waiting over a year to find his forever home – but adopters are being put off by his age and some health problems. The 10-year-old is being cared for by the team at RSPCA Blackberry Animal Centre, in Buckinghamshire, but keeps being overlooked by potential families.
‘He’s sweet, playful, loves gentle walks and could live with a family but would like to be the only pet. He has some separation anxiety so will need to learn that it’s okay being left home alone.’
Interested in adopting Kuzey? Go to the RSPCA website.
Star and Magic
Age: Seven months
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
The charity says: ‘Seven-month-old sisters Star and Magic have been looking for a new home for more than 200 days. Magic is blind and Star has partial sight, although you wouldn’t know it when seeing them playing together.
‘They’re sweet and playful girls who can often be found cuddled up together and they are looking for an indoor home, or a home with a safe and very secure garden to potter around and play in.’
Interested in adopting them? Go to the Blue Cross website.
Jax
Age: Nine
Breed: Lurcher/cross
The charity says: ‘Jax came into our care as a stray so his background information is very limited but he has come on leaps and bounds with his training while in our care. Jax is a really smart boy who loves to learn new tricks and is quite pleased with himself when he successfully masters a new one. He enjoys agility and exploring. Jax can find life a little overwhelming at times so will need gentle and patient adopters who will give him time and space to settle into his new home.
‘Jax can be worried in new situations and when meeting new people so requires committed adopters who will visit him multiple times at the centre to build a bond. Once the bond is made, he is besotted and your best friend. He requires a quiet home, where he is the only pet. He could live in a home with older teenage children, over 16 years. He requires a secure garden with direct access and with a six-foot fence. When on walks in a public place, Jax will be required to wear a muzzle which is perfectly normal to him and he is happy wearing one. In his new forever home he would like someone to be around all day to begin with so time left alone can be built up gradually.’
Interested in adopting Jax? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Jake
Age: 10
Breed: German Shepherd
The charity says: ‘Ten-year-old German Shepherd Jake has spent almost two years waiting for his forever home at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre, Hertfordshire. He’s a sweet, affectionate boy who loves sitting with you for cuddles and going on long walks.
‘He’s described as ‘everybody’s best friend’ but can be a little nervous of other dogs which causes him to bark so he’s looking for a home with experienced owners who can help him moving forwards.’
Interested in adopting him? Go to the RSPCA website.
Bobby and Shadow
Age: One and three
Breed: Crossbreed
The charity says: ‘One-year-old rabbit Bobby has been in Blue Cross care for more than 400 days. He has a new best friend in Shadow, a three-year-old lovely Rex. Bobby is an inquisitive chap who will come over for a sniff or some food, while Shadow has a more confident and cheeky personality and will hop straight over to say hello.
‘They are indoor rabbits who are looking for a home together.’
Interested in adopting them? Go to the Blue Cross website.
Chester
Age: Seven
Breed: Domestic Short Hair, Tabby White
The charity says: ‘Seven-year-old Chester is a handsome chap who is looking for a new home. As he is FIV positive he is looking for an indoor-only home without any other cats. He is a chilled and super affectionate cat who could potentially live with children or a dog.’
Interested in adopting Chester? Go to the Blue Cross website.
Nobel
Age: 12
Breed: Domestic Short Hair, Tabby
The charity says: ’12-year-old Nobel is a little unsure of new people so will need patient and understanding owners who will give him the time to settle into his new surroundings.
‘He doesn’t have much experience with the great outdoors so a new home in a quiet area with few fellow felines in the neighbourhood will suit him to the ground.’
Interested in adopting her? Go to the Blue Cross website.
Flint
Age: Four months
Breed: Dutch, Black And White
The charity says; ‘Flint is looking for a loving home where he can hop around and explore. He is looking for a new home with a neutered female so that he is not lonely. He’s a gentle and loving boy who is happy to be an indoor or outdoor rabbit, but just wants to find his perfect companion this Christmas.’
Interested in adopting Flint? Go to the Blue Cross website.
Charlie
Age: Six
Breed: Collie/Spaniel Cross
The charity says: ‘Charlie is a brilliant boy who is loving and full of energy. He loves to play, especially fetch, with his favourite toy, which is a tennis ball. Energetic Charlie also really enjoys walks where he can have a good sniff and explore his surroundings. He will happily jump in the car for adventures and walks in new places. He has spent time in a foster home where he is good in the home. He requires understanding owners who can give him confidence and attention when out and about.
‘Charlie is looking for a home when he is the only dog as he is not keen on other dogs. He requires a secure and quiet garden area in a rural location. Anyone interested in adopting Charlie must be willing to continue with ongoing training including stimulation training as he is busy and active. He is also strong on the lead so any potential adopters will need to be capable of walking a strong dog. Charlie could live in a home with children aged 16 and over.’
Interested in adopting Charlie? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Louise
Age: One
Breed: Crossbreed
The charity says: ‘Louise was found as a stray and it was soon apparent that she had received no training before coming into Dogs Trust care. However, she has been enjoying her training and has come along hugely. She is keen on food so this helps with training. Louise is an energetic girl who likes to live a full and active life. She is friendly with everyone she meets and can at times get a little over excited about life. She is playful and affectionate and likes playing and snuggles in equal measure.
‘Louise needs to be the only pet in the home and requires a home with no neighbouring dogs, as other dogs worry her. A private garden or regular access to a quiet area away from other dogs for walks is a must. As she is a youngster, anyone interested in adopting lovely Louise will need to continue with her training and building her confidence around other dogs. Committed owners are required who can make up to five visits to the rehoming centre so that a strong bond is built before she goes to her forever home. She could live with older children, aged 14 and over. If you are looking for a loving, young dog that is bursting with potential, Louise could be the one for you.’
Interested in adopting Louise? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Moon and Willow
Age: Four
Breed: Netherlands Dwarf Lop
The charity says: ‘Four and half-year-old couple Moon and Will have been waiting for a new home for six months as they both have some medical needs. Moon is a friendly, confident boy while Willow takes a bit more time to get to know you.’
Interested in adopting them? Go to the Blue Cross website.
Yoko
Age: Four
Breed: Terrier
The charity says: ‘Four-year-old terrier Yoko arrived at Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home, Gloucestershire, in May 2021 and has been patiently waiting for her forever home for a very long 19 months.
‘He’s a cheeky chap with a big personality but he has a strong hunting drive so will need owners who understand this. He’s very clever and needs lots of stimulation to keep him busy.’
Interested in adopting Yoko? Go to the RSPCA website.
Buddy
Age: 12
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross
The charity says: ‘Buddy is enjoying life in a Dogs Trust foster home and is the perfect house guest. He’s excellent at hoovering up crumbs that might have dropped on the floor and snoozing on the sofa while the TV is on. Despite his eyesight not being as sharp as it was, as soon as he spots his lead and harness, he is raring to go and won’t tolerate any dawdling at this time. Buddy loves his walks and potters along quite happily by your side. He’s quiet in the home, although he’ll have a gentle bark if there is something he would like to draw your attention to. Buddy has a fantastic character which anyone in his company soon appreciates. As an older gent, his hearing isn’t what it used to be, and he isn’t too keen on travelling but he is happy to explore when he gets to the location.
‘Buddy could live in a home with another calm dog as he enjoys walks with other dogs although he does try to push his luck with the ladies. Buddy is house trained and could live in a home with children aged 10 and over. He enjoys his home comforts and there is no doubt Buddy is going to make a wonderful companion for his special someone.’
Interested in adopting Buddy? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Kiko
Age: Seven
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross
The charity says: ‘Kiko is an incredibly intelligent girl who is ready to find her forever home. She would love owners to help continue her training to help settle her into a new routine. She can be unsure of new people initially, but by taking a bit of time to get to know her at her pace she forms strong bonds quickly and adores company and attention. A secure garden will allow her to run around off lead and play with her favourite toys. She is super quick to learn, so would like owners that can provide plenty of mental stimulation, enrichment and training. This will help build that all important bond and does make life with Kiko fun.
‘As she isn’t fond of hustle and bustle, Kiko requires an adult only where she is the only pet. She isn’t keen on other dogs so wears a muzzle when out and about on walks. Potential adopters must be committed to continuing with her dog socialisation training so she can build confidence around four-legged friends. Kiko will be a fantastic companion and is a firm favourite with the team at Dogs Trust Cardiff who say she is very inquisitive, super smart and a lovely friendly face at the centre.’
Interested in adopting Kiko? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Polly
Age: Two
Breed: German Shepherd/Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross
The charity says: ‘Polly was born in March 2020 during the first lockdown and arrived in our care in October 2020, meaning that, despite her young age, this will be her third Christmas in kennels. Polly loves people and looks for a lot of reassurance from them when she is feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Extremely clever and very loving, Polly enjoys playing with her toys, receiving a fuss from her carers, and keeping her brain busy with scent work and agility. Staff at the centre say this wonderful girl’s intelligence, resilience, fun and bubbly personality make her a pleasure to work with.
‘An ideal home for Polly would be located in a rural, quiet location that is away from main busy roads and that has access to quieter walking locations, as well as a secure garden. Polly would need to be the only dog in her new home as she is working on her doggy socialisation skills, however she is learning to walk with doggy walking companions. Polly could live with children aged 14 and over who are happy to play an active part in her training and exercise needs. Initially, Polly will need company for the majority of the time, but once she has started to settle, time left on her own can be built up slowly and gradually. She will require multiple visits before being adopted, so her new family will ideally live locally or be willing to travel to the centre regularly before she goes to her forever home.’
Interested in adopting Polly? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Paxo
Age: Four
Breed: Lurcher
The charity says: ‘Paxo is a handsome boy who is well-loved amongst his carers for his playful, funny and affectionate nature. Paxo has three legs but this doesn’t stop him, and he knows how to enjoy life and live it to the max. He enjoys playing with toys, his favourites are of the squeaky variety, and he particularly enjoys paying fetch. Paxo also enjoys food and treats, and he likes to show off his skills and do some training. He is happy when learning tricks which is great mental stimulation; he will need do to lots of this, keeping his brain busy and active. Paxo will happily jump in the car to go on quiet walks.
‘Paxo requires an adult-only home where he is the only pet. Paxo loves a fuss and snuggles from people he knows and is looking for a quiet home environment without many visitors. As he isn’t too fond of other dogs, he has learnt to wear a muzzle when out and about and sees this as no different to having his lead and harness on. He loves to head out on a walk but can’t walk long distances so would love a garden to enjoy and play in. He has limited experience of living in a home environment so settling in will take time and may come with some challenges, but this very special boy is worth it.’
Interested in adopting Paxo? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Woody
Age: Eight
Breed: Shih Tzu/Poodle cross
The charity says: ‘Woody is a cheeky chap who never fails to put a smile on the faces of his carers. He is full of life and loves to be busy and on the go. Woody has a big personality and is also super clever, constantly wanting to learn new tricks and loves to perform for people. He loves playing games including fetch and tug and solving puzzles to get his food. Woody struggles with being touched so doesn’t like lots of fuss or to be a cuddly ‘lap dog’ but has responded quickly to training that allows him to be clipped, groomed, checked by a vet and handled when necessary.
‘Woody adores the company of his favourite friends but prefers to interact with his humans by doing fun activities together, rather than receiving tactile affection. He requires a home with at least two adults who are willing to keep up his training and grooming. He requires a home with a garden and with access to his own room or area where he can have his meals and enjoy his favourite things as he doesn’t like to share. Woody needs to be the only dog in the home and can’t live with children under the age of 18 or have young children visiting.’
Interested in adopting Woody? Go to the Dogs Trust website.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk
MORE : Got any old audiobook CDs? This RSPCA branch wants to play them to the dogs
MORE : Dog learns how to fetch nappies and bottles, even tiding up after baby sisters
MORE : Pug café celebrates ‘Pugmas’ with festive fits for their four-legged friends