Make rescue dogs part of your family
They have become part of the family at a rescue centre in the Black Country – but these dogs are searching for a new home.
Rosedene Rescue Centre, in Rushall, is looking to rehome a variety of breeds – some of whom have been in the kennels for more than two years.
Among the canines on the lookout for new homes are three Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Eight-year-old Princess first came to the rescue centre in Radley Road more than a year ago.
She was rehomed with a couple but was brought back around five months ago due to her owner changing jobs.
Barney, another Staffordshire Bull Terrier, has been with the rescue centre in kennels almost all of his life.
The five-year-old cannot be rehomed with other cats and dogs, but staff say he is good around children of all ages.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Roxy has been at the rescue centre for more than two years and the four-year-old is now hoping to settle down with a family.
Rebecca Lawlor, who has been a volunteer at the centre for around five years, said: "These types of breeds tend to get overlooked but they are lovely, lovely dogs.
"Princess is beautiful. She's friendly and affectionate.
"She is not good with other dogs but is good with children.
"Barney is also a lovely lad and is good with children. Roxy is very quiet and tends to stand back a bit when people see her, but she would be great in a family environment."
Staff are also looking to rehome one-year-old German Shepherd Cross, George, who would be better suited to older children due to his excitable nature.
Mrs Lawlor said: He's a large dog so would suit being rehomed somewhere with older children.
"He's been here over a year.
"All of the dogs have been handed in by previous owners for different reasons.
"It could be because of a house move or a change in jobs."
Also looking for a home is two-year-old Blaze who is an Akita and would not suit a home with cats or children.
He has been a resident at the rescue centre for around six months after being handed in due to his owner becoming unwell and being unable to care for him anymore. The sixth dog on the lookout for a home is Bear, a five-year-old Mastiff, who behaves well around children but is not good with other animals.
Mrs Lawlor said: "Blaze is a stunning dog to look at. He likes his walks and he loves his squeaky toys. There have been a couple of people interested in him but we have to find the right people.
"He's not that good with all men. He came to us from his original owner and has been with us six months. We also have the Bear, who is such a gentle giant. He is a big dog but loves nothing more than a cuddle."
She added: "We would like people to take a second look to these dogs when they visit the rescue centre.
"They may not be the most popular dogs but we hope people will give them a chance."
Staff say rescue centres are a vital service that stops dogs roaming the streets – but they are facing increasing challenges to make ends meet. With councils being put under more financial pressure, they are also finding it more difficult to deal with the problem. Dudley Council alone spends more than £60,000 a year on dealing with stray dogs in the borough.
During the course of the last financial year, the authority spent £60,500 – which equates to around £165 a day – on lost and abandoned animals over the last financial year.
Mrs Lawlor urged anyone interested in adopting the dogs to visit the rescue centre or call 01922 627013.
