Liverpool dog rehoming centre celebrates 22nd birthday - can you help these dogs?

The Dogs Trust Merseyside is celebrating its 22^nd birthday this week and some of the loveable pooches have been tucking into dog-friendly cake as part of the celebrations.

The rehoming centre, based in Huyton, Liverpool, has dozens of dogs on its books looking for a loving home.

The Trust said that demand for dogs during the Covid-19 pandemic has been at an “all-time high”, but that people may be deciding to give their dogs up as they start returning to their workplaces.

Georgina Lowery, Manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside, said: “For the vast majority of the pandemic we have been able to carry on finding dogs their forever homes and every week we say a fond farewell to dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages.

"Demand for dogs has been at an all-time high during the pandemic and whilst we are yet to see the full impact of the crisis on dogs being given up, we believe that in the coming months we will see more people having to make the difficult decision to give up their dog as furlough ends and people start returning to the workplace.

“The dog lovers of Liverpool and beyond continue to choose to give a rescue dog a second chance and we want to say a huge thank you to them for choosing to adopt rather than buy a dog.”

If you’re able to give a dog a new home, here are some of the dogs at Dogs Trust Merseyside looking for a special place to live.

Blue - Siberian Husky

Age: 6 years - Sex: Male

Blue is a six-year-old Husky who has sadly lost his owner, and is looking for a particular home. He is used to walking for miles and is really going to need an active family who will continue this with him. He’s not a fan of car travel and will be sick, so someone who walks every day is perfect. Blue enjoys a fuss but on his own terms. Once he’s got to know you, Blue is very friendly but he can object to people approaching the two of you when out together.

Type of home needed

Blue is happy around friendly dogs and prefers those who will say a brief hello before going off to do their own thing, allowing him the same. We know from his history that he likes his own space and not to be crowded, so he’s suited to being the only dog in the home. He has previously lived with a cat that would join him for walks and naps. Any children in Blue’s new home would need to be aged 16 and over. He is house trained and can be left a few hours as long as he has something to do and has had a long walk beforehand.

Thomas - Cocker Spaniel

Age: 5 to 7 Years - Sex: Male

Tommy was a little worried about coming back into the care of the Dogs Trust Merseyside and was rather nervous, but he has come on in leaps and bounds in the short time he’s been with them. Now he’s always excited and loves to go for walks, with his nose barely leaving the ground. Tom does like things to go slowly, so any handling is always at his pace and there are no surprises for him. It is important that his new family keep this up once he’s home. Tommy already knows a sit and down, and would benefit from some more training with his family once he’s settled.

Type of home needed

Tommy needs a home free of children and other pets. He has shown some unwanted behaviours in his previous home, including guarding his food bowl and reacting to strangers in his home. His new family must be confident in beginning with a hands-off approach with Tom, and letting him come around in his own time. Tom needs to feel that those behaviours aren’t necessary, and work alongside his new family to help him feel more secure. Full support will be given by the team at the centre. Tommy is house trained and can be left alone for a couple of hours without concern.

Rambler - Foxhound

Age: 5 to 7 Years - Sex: Male

Rambler (pictured above enjoying doggie cupcakes) is a handsome seven-year-old Foxhound who seems to be enjoying centre life. He likes mixing with the other dogs, meeting people and exploring the grounds in a proper Hound style. He’s a very easy-going lad and he would do well with a family who has some experience of hounds or working dogs, so that he can reach his full potential.

Type of home needed

Rambler gets along well with other dogs, but he seems to prefer the girls. He’s not always certain how to interact with the chaps, but will usually walk with anyone. Rambler is noisy when he is out walking, particularly when he sees another dog and will pull to get to them. His new family must be aware of how vocal he is, and that he was returned to us after neighbourhood complaints. Rambler would prefer an over 16s household as he likes to be left alone when eating or in his bed. He is house trained but he can be destructive if separated from his family overnight.

As Rambler does love the sound of his own voice when he gets excited, a rural home where he can go for chilled out walks would be ideal. He is a fabulous chap with a wonderful character and we know his new family will be very lucky to have him when they meet him.

Maisey - Terrier: Yorkshire

Age: 8 and over - Sex: Female

Maisey is an independent 13-year-old lady who has settled in to kennel life very well. She likes to have her own space, but does enjoy having someone around. Maisey doesn’t go out of her way to greet people, instead she goes in for a cheeky sniff of your boots if she thinks you’re distracted. The best approach with Maisey is to let her come to you - tiny dogs like her can easily feel crowded and intimidated.

Type of home needed

Maisey walks happily with small dogs but is less keen on the larger ones, probably due to her being so tiny. We know she likes her own space so she’s more suited to being the only pet at home. Although she can be around teenagers, we think she’d be happier with a single adult, as she can become very attached to one person and display negativity towards their partner.

Maisey will need regular grooming which can be costly, so please take this into account if thinking of adopting her. She has had some bad teeth that have been left untreated and have caused her pain, so she is rather reluctant to be touched around her mouth. Maisey is house trained but not used to spending more than an hour or two by herself.

Marley - Lurcher

Age: 2 to 5 Years - Sex: Male

Marley is a lovely but very sensitive boy who can be worried by new people and does take a little while to get to know someone new. Once he is comfortable with you, he is a brilliant dog who enjoys having a fuss and getting all the attention.

His new family will need to continue his confidence building and we do believe Marley will thrive in a home. Marley loves his food and will do anything for titbits. He lives for playtimes with his toys and loves to chase. When he’s feeling nice and relaxed, he’ll lean into you for a gentle fuss and stroke. When Marley came into the Dogs Trust Merseyside he had never been walked before or been outside much, but now he is now walking and enjoys going for potters around the centre, slowly building it up.

Type of home needed

This gentle lad will walk with quiet dogs and some calm pals would do him good, but he does like his own space. He can be very alert around small animals, so care with cats, wildlife and very small dogs will be needed. Marley will require a few visits from his adopters so he can build a bond. The Trust is looking for a patient, understanding owner who can continue with Marley’s confidence building and socialisation. He will need someone who is around most of the day and to build on his leaving hours. Marley might need a refresher on house training and could be rehomed with children aged 14 upwards. He will also need to be the only pet in the home.

Baz - Collie Cross (Border)

Age: 5 to 7 Years - Sex: Male

Baz is such a lovely boy but he’s had a very sheltered life and is finding so many changes to be rather overwhelming. He has only ever really had one person in his life and they have sadly passed away so Baz is a little lost. Thankfully, the Dogs Trust Merseyside discovered his love of footballs quite quickly and this has been a great way to build a bond with him. He’ll bring the ball and actually likes to have a few people around so that he can give everyone a turn. Baz isn’t really used to going on walks but he’s adjusted to that already and likes to explore the centre.

Type of home needed

Baz is looking for a quiet, adult home with someone there most of the time and few visitors. He isn’t used to being left and he may struggle with house training initially. He’s nervous, so he’ll need a slow approach, letting him come to you when he’s ready and feels confident. This is where playing ball will come in useful as he’ll readily engage with you if you have one. Baz will walk alongside other quiet dogs but he can be a little intense at times, mostly due to a lack of socialisation. He will need to be the only dog at home, but can be slowly introduced to quiet friends outside. Baz is going to need you to visit him a few times before he goes home. Baz will have ongoing medical needs as he has a grade 4 heart murmur so this will need to be monitored. Baz isn’t on any medication currently but needs ongoing monitoring.

Sunny and Sally - Greyhounds

Age: 2 to 5 Years - Sex: Female

Sunny is a terribly sweet two-year-old Greyhound who is looking for a home together with her sister Sally. She is very affectionate and loves to cuddle with you, happily barging Sally out of the way so she can get maximum attention. She is more interested in toys than her sister and loves to chase after them in the Trust’s paddock, hurtling down the field and never bringing them back.

Type of home needed

Sunny is the quieter one of the pair, and the Dogs Trust Merseyside is looking to rehome them together. She will walk with other quiet dogs but doesn’t interact that much with them. They’ll be fine to have walking pals but are more suited to it being just them at home. Although both girls weren’t cut out for racing, we always advise caution when around small dogs, cats or other beasties with Greyhounds from that background, as their instinct is to chase. They can live with children around the age of 10 years, and will need some patience from you when it comes to house training, as they’ve always lived in kennels.

For more information and a look at more dogs in need of rehoming check out the dogtrust.org.uk.

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