There are a number of dogs in Merseyside looking for their forever homes.
Like many rescue centres across the UK, Freshfields Animal Rescue in Sefton is seeing unprecedented numbers of animals without homes. From pets being handed in, to strays found walking the streets, rescue centres are "bursting" as they urge people to think before they buy pets.
With rules changing over XL Bullies, Freshfield told the ECHO all potential bully-type dogs have been placed in their new homes. But there are many more looking for their new families.
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With hundreds of dogs across the region looking for their forever homes, we have put together a list of pets currently up for adoption and where to find them.
Over at Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre:
Presley
Presley is a young King Charles Spaniel cross looking for a new home after his owner had tried to rehome him to a new family and it unfortunately didn’t work out. He gets on well with other dogs when on walks and has previously lived with a small dog.
Presley is looking for a home with people who have experience with small breeds and nervous behaviour as he will take some time to come around and settle into his new home. He cannot live with children as he does not like to share his space with them.
He could live with another calm, small dog dependant on successful introductions at the rescue. More can be found here.
Isla
Isla came to the rescue when her owner was no longer able to take care of her. She has had a difficult start to life, and as a result struggles to trust new people.
For Isla staff are looking for an adult only home with people who have had experience with nervous behaviour. As Isla does not like strangers, her new family will need to be aware of this and continue the training.
Isla is working on her behaviour around other dogs and is happy to walk with a calm dog but does not like them to be in her space, so would not be able to live with one. She cannot live with cats or small animals. More can be found here.
Lissy
Lissy is looking for her new home due to a change in her owner’s circumstances. Originally, Lissy came over from a shelter in Spain and was adopted by her current family a few years ago.
She can be a nervous girl and is often spooked by loud noises so prefers to be somewhere quiet. Lissy gets along with most dogs on walks but can be barky at the odd one.
She has lived with a cat but can chase new ones, so slow introductions would be needed. More can be found here.
Ollie
Ollie is a medium sized Lurcher looking for a new home. He came into care when he was struggling to settle in his previous home with the other resident dogs. His owners decided the best thing for him was to find a home where he could be the only dog. For Ollie, staff are looking for a home with no other animals.
He cannot live with cats or small animals and must have a secure garden so he can’t go wandering. More can be found here.
China
China is an older girl of 12 years who is now looking for a new home through no fault of her own. She came to Freshfields when her owner could unfortunately no longer take care of her so felt the best thing for her was to find a new home.
For China, staff are looking for a family who are at home most of the time as she does struggle being left on her own for long periods of time. China struggles with her hearing, so this may contribute to her anxiety when she is left alone.
China can be sociable with quiet dogs on walks but prefers to not share her space with them. More can be found here.
Rio
Rio is seven years of age and loves to be in the sun and play. He is a bit nervous around strangers, but once he gets to know you, he is very friendly and never forgets his mates.
Rio prefers short walks since he ruptured a spinal disc earlier this year. He’s on pain relief and limited exercise, and he’ll appreciate an owner who will be happy to let him chill out on the sofa with them.
He had a chaotic early life, so he needs continuity and a stable environment, where he can be given patience and understanding to gradually make the transition to life in a loving home. He also needs to be the only pet in a home without children. More can be found here.
Shankly
Shankly is a lovely little Patterdale cross who is looking for his new home. He came into care due to his owner becoming unwell and no longer being able to take care of him.
For Shankly, staff are looking for a home with people who are experienced with nervous behaviour around other animals and who can continue to help him overcome this. He will need a quiet home where he can relax and feel safe.
He cannot live with cats or young children. More can be found here.
At the RSPCA:
Bronson
Bronson is at the RSPCA Warrington branch and is a one-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. He found himself at the RSCPA after his needs were not being met in his previous home.
He is looking for a family with a male as the main handler and no other dogs or pets. He needs an adult only home with people who will continue his training. More can be found here.
Bella
Bella is a one-year-old Belgian Malinois cross who is looking for her new, forever home. She can be rehomed with children 10+ but no other pets and is currently at the Southport RSPCA branch.
She is a sweet and friendly girl who is very active and intelligent but she does need a lot of stimulation. She also enjoys human interaction and loves playing with her ball. More can be found here.
Betty
Also in Southport is Betty who found herself at the rescue after unfortunately being abandoned by her previous owners, so staff don't know much about her background. Betty knows some basic commands and knows her name but would benefit from some extra training.
Betty is best with other dogs when introduced slowly. Once she knows another dog she is fine to share their company on a walk as long as they aren't too in her face. More can be found here.
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