As you will know, if you have read my blog before, I visit my local rescue centre when I can, to photograph and blog about some of the wonderful dogs who are looking for forever homes of their own. There are SO many beautiful dogs (and cats and smaller animals) there, just waiting for THEIR chance, their family, their new life.
The staff and volunteers at the rescue are wonderful. The facilities are wonderful. The dogs are walked, fed, receive the veterinary attention they need, have toys – and the resident behaviourist is even planning an enrichment area for the longer stay dogs. These animals have everything they need, right where they are.
What they all want, however, is a home of their own. Take some time to walk around the kennels and you will see row upon row of gorgeous dogs (and cats and smaller animals), waiting. Walk past their kennel or run and they will look at you, with expectation and hope.
Hope that YOU are the person who has come to fall in love with THEM today. To take them home, to give them the family they want and deserve. They want to be the first face to greet you in the morning, the reason you get out in the fresh air, the one you snuggle with on the sofa in the evening, the reason you pick hair out of your tea/butter/favourite meal.
Dogs like Shadow are waiting for their new family, their forever home, in rescues across the country (and indeed world), right now.
Rescue centres are rammed FULL of dogs and other animals. The pounds are full of dogs who will do their seven days and, if they are not claimed by loving owners, will either be fortunate enough to find a rescue space or find themselves being put down. Many more dogs are on waiting lists to go into rescue when a space becomes available. It’s an intolerable and heartbreaking situation and it needs to change – and you can be that change for YOUR next dog (or cat, or smaller animal).
Please, if you are thinking of getting a dog and can provide a loving and responsible home, visit Oldies Club, look at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, visit your local rescue centre, contact a breed rescue, or look at one of the online rescue resources.
Adopt a dog from rescue ~ they truly will love you for it.
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