A new bulldoze to find homes for long-term unwanted dogs has been spearheaded by a Cheltenham rescue eye. The shelter is struggling to cope with the number of devious and abandoned pets brought in this yr.

Collie cross Inky is just two years old but has been at Cheltenham Fauna Shelter (CAS) for more than than a year now and staff are drastic to discover this gentle dog a forever habitation.

Many of them are ii years sometime or younger, suggesting that they may accept been bought during the Covid lockdowns and their owners either could no longer cope with them as they grew, or as life returned to normal.

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The globe is a scary place to Inky because of her past experiences and she needs someone with the time and patience to give her a calm, peaceful habitation with a secure garden then she can potter around and feel comfortable.

Inky, the collie cross

Inky, the collie cross

Gentle giant Bruce is just 1 year erstwhile merely has come on in leaps and premises since arriving at the Gardner'southward Lane shelter, thanks to the loving intendance of staff.

This Belgian Shepherd crossbreed has lots of energy so would need someone who tin can requite him plenty of mental and physical stimulation, just in render, he will get a faithful companion who will thrive in the correct environment.

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There'south no doubt that bonded pair Polly and Kato would be a big projection to have on, every bit both are large dogs, only they are real bundles of joy who love spending time with humans and adore being fussed over.

All four dogs have been at the shelter for at least a year and staff believe it'southward high time they went to their forever homes, but so far they have been overlooked by potential adopters.

They are part of a concerted try by CAS to detect homes for its long-stay pets as part of a special week-long entrada to draw attention to their plight and perhaps find the right person out there for them.

Bruce, the Belgian Shepherd

Bruce, the Belgian Shepherd

CAS staff member Jennie Crow said: "Many of the pets that come to the shelter go out us within a few weeks, some take a couple of months, but the odd few end up being with us for much longer. These are our long-stay pets.

"There are many reasons why a pet tin end up with the states for a long time, but often information technology is because they need a special home that understands their unique personality and is willing to work with them to build a happy life together.

"These pets are all amazing in their ain way and are worthy of love and another chance at happiness."

During the last Long Stay Pet Week last autumn, several success stories played out, including homes being constitute for Thor, the Malamute, and Bertie the spaniel.

"Sometimes the dogs need a bit of extra care and attention, but once people get to know them they will observe out they have astonishing personalities and a lot of dear to requite, they just need to exist given a run a risk," said Jennie.

Kato is looking for his forever home

Kato is looking for his forever dwelling house

Between January and mid-April this year, the shelter has had an influx of 50 strays and abandoned dogs, which is a lot higher than normal.

"Yous can't plan for strays and because of their situation they can plow upwardly with all sorts of dissimilar wellness or behavioural issues, merely these animals have so much to give the right owner, they only have to find each other," said Jennie.

"We understand that it'south tough for people, especially with the toll of living going up and upwards, more and more people are going to struggle, but we entreatment to people not to just leave or abandon them, because they tin can't help themselves."

For more than details on the long-stay dogs and other animals at the shelter, visit www.gawa.org.uk or band 01242 523521.