Aston Villa stars play with rescue pups during visit to Staffordshire training ground

Rescue puppies and older dogs from Birmingham Dogs Home paid a surprise visit to the first team stars at the club’s training ground at Bodymoor Heath.

Sign up to our free newsletter today

At the end of their training session, stars including forwards Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham, goalkeeper Emi Martínez, defenders Matty Cash and Tyrone Mings and club captain John McGinn, were invited to follow a trail of paw-print floor stickers to two dog areas that had been set up at the training ground.

One room housed the puppies, while older dogs waited calmly in the reception area, ready to greet players as they made their way through.

Four rescue puppies, all cocker spaniel cross-breeds and just under 10 weeks old, met the squad indoors for play, affection and plenty of photographs. The puppies arrived wearing Aston Villa bandanas printed with player numbers, which quickly became a talking point among the squad.

The puppies had a tough start in life after being surrendered very young when their owner could no longer cope. 

They arrived underweight and severely unwell and were hand-reared around the clock by Birmingham Dogs Home staff. Now thriving, the puppies confidently soaked up the attention and have already been reserved for adoption.

As players left the puppy room, they were met by older dogs Rory and Aspen, who enjoyed calm, unhurried time with the squad. Rory, a five-year-old hound, has been at the home a few months after arriving from another dog shelter, and little is known about his background. Four-year-old crossbreed. Aspen was found as a stray and arrived in very poor condition, underweight and covered in scars, lumps and cuts. She also required treatment for a severe eye condition. She has been in the charity’s care since the beginning of November. Both Rory and Aspen are available for adoption.

The players also shared stories and photographs of their own dogs, from dobermans and rottweilers to dachshunds.

Many players returned after showering, simply because they wanted more time with the dogs.

Birmingham Dogs Home currently has 166 homeless dogs in its care and supports more than 2,000 dogs each year across the West Midlands. While the average dog waits around three months to fine a new home, older dogs often wait much longer, sometimes many months or even years. With puppies typically rehoused quickly, older dogs are more likely to be overlooked.

Villa skipper John McGinn said: “After training, coming in and spending time with the dogs from Birmingham Dogs Home was a brilliant surprise and something we all really enjoyed. The puppies obviously got a lot of attention, but it was just as good meeting the older dogs. They were so calm and affectionate, and it really brings home how important it is to support local causes like this and help shine a light on dogs who are still waiting for a home.”

Rachel Frost from the dogs home added: “We are incredibly grateful to Aston Villa for welcoming our dogs, and for the continued support the club has shown Birmingham Dogs Home. 

"Puppies will always draw attention, but visits like this are so important for dogs like Rory and Aspen, who can wait much longer for a home. The care and kindness shown highlight just how special older dogs are and why they deserve a chance.”

The visit builds on a previous collaboration between Birmingham Dogs Home and Aston Villa Women, who welcomed rescue puppies to their training ground last year, and it is hoped the collaboration will inspire people to support Birmingham Dogs Home.

People can support these puppies and other dogs in need by donating, sharing Birmingham Dogs Home’s message, visiting its centre, or considering adoption.