A Second Chance

Don’t shop, adopt this festive season. That’s the message from animal homes across the count as they look to give loveable dogs a forever home this Christmas

- Holly Louise Eells

Many of us will have heard the infamous saying, ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’. It’s a sentiment that applies to people who purchase a puppy as a ‘special gift’ for a loved one over the festive period. Unfortunately, this results in many Christmas puppies being abandoned at a rescue centre or left on the streets to defend for themselves. The amount of abandoned animals each year, especially between New Year and Easter, is always incredibly high as cute puppies grow older and owners realise how much care is needed.

The Dogs Trust Basildon is currently caring for 85 dogs in its rescue centre and recommends if you’re looking to adopt a dog, always make sure you do your research first. Lisa Cooper, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Basildon explains: ‘There are so many dogs in rescue centres and shelters just waiting for their perfect family to turn up and find them. Rescues come in all shapes and sizes, all breeds and ages. You might take home a puppy who has lots to learn or you might fall in love with a golden oldie who still has so much to offer.’

Rescuing a dog is an incredibly rewarding experience. ‘Often rescue dogs have faced adversity and come through the other side, but are still loving and just need that chance,’ adds Lisa. ‘Though some may have their quirks, the majority of our dogs are here through no fault of their own and just want a forever home to call their own.’

Every year, more than 250,000 animals are brought to rescue centres around the UK for a variety of reasons, and AA Dog Rescue (AADR) is another shelter that helps save abandoned or seized dogs through neglect from the UK, Spain and Romania. Based in Bradwell on Sea, it started when Charley Nathan, an ex-police officer and champion showjumping horse trainer, started adopting and fostering dogs, which led to the setting up of AA Dog Rescue in 2013 with co-founder Karen James.