Animal rescue centres work tirelessly to save and enrich the lives of dogs and other animals in their care all year round. And the festive season is no different. Nothing pleases the rescue centre owners and volunteers more than the day when they get to rehome their four-legged friends in permanent homes where they can live out their days in happiness with their new owners.
Each pet comes with their own challenges and obstacles but each presents a perfect opportunity to add a valuable member to your family. As we bid farewell to 2024 and look ahead to 2025 rescue centres across south Wales have, in their own words, profiled some of the dogs looking for a loving home and their own sofa to hog.
Among these cases keep an eye out for the heartbreaking story of Mickey who was rescued from the Romanian border after being left in the midst of the Ukrainian war. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
Name: Aldo
Breed: Greyhound
Location: Greyhound Rescue Wales
(Image: Greyhound Rescue Wales)
The centre says: “Aldo, a four-year-old greyhound, is searching for his forever home. This laid-back, friendly boy loves meeting new people and enjoys attention. Aldo has adapted well to life at Hillcrest where he’s proven to be an excellent traveller and loves going on adventures with his greyhound pals.
“He enjoys playing with his toys and can often be seen happily galloping around the paddocks. While he walks well with larger dogs Aldo is still learning to feel comfortable around smaller breeds so continued socialisation will be important. He’s also had some time in a home setting, settling well in a crate, and would love a cosy space of his own in his new home.”
Name: Hoops
Breed: Greyhound
Location: Greyhound Rescue Wales
(Image: Greyhound Rescue Wales)
The centre says: “Meet Hoops, a lovable greyhound who may have limited sight but doesn’t let that stop him from living life to the fullest. He manages incredibly well despite his vision challenges and is now looking for calm, understanding owners who can give him the time he needs to adjust to home life.
“Hoops gets along well with both sighthound and non-sighthound breeds and would thrive with a canine companion by his side. He has a very playful and charming way with other dogs. He’s navigated walks around the local town centre with ease, taking everything in his stride. Hoops loves a fuss from his favourite humans and volunteers and is sure to make a wonderful, affectionate pet.”
Name: Autumn
Breed: Greyhound
Location: Greyhound Rescue Wales
Autumn
(Image: Greyhound Rescue Wales)
The centre says: “Autumn is a beautiful greyhound who is an absolute delight and spreads joy wherever she goes. She has settled wonderfully in at Hillcrest, walking like a dream on the lead and adjusting well to being in a house environment. Autumn loves playing with her toys and is a playful spirit that will bring so much happiness to her new home. She enjoys running and playing with her sighthound friends and has been working on socialising with other breeds so she’ll need a family who can continue helping her build confidence with different dogs. If you’re looking for a loving, joyful companion Autumn could be the perfect fit. Reach out today to meet her and give this wonderful girl the forever home she deserves.”
Name: Suki
Breed: Lurcher
Location: Greyhound Rescue Wales
(Image: Greyhound Rescue Wales)
The centre says: “Suki is a stunning two-year-old lurcher who is ready to find her forever home. This lovely girl is full of charm and adores being the centre of attention. She thrives on love and fuss and her affectionate nature makes her a perfect cuddle buddy. Suki is an active lady who loves her exercise and will be an enthusiastic partner for all your adventures. Whether it’s a long walk in the countryside or exploring new places Suki is up for the challenge.
“Suki knows how to relax and settles beautifully in a cosy environment. She’ll happily curl up for snuggles after an exciting day out. While she’s been making friends with other dogs at the centre and doing well Suki would need to be the only dog in her new home. She’s a star who deserves the spotlight all to herself. If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion to share your life with Suki is the perfect match. Could you be the one to give her the happy home she deserves?”
Name: Jody
Breed: Malamute
Location: Many Tears Animal Rescue
(Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue)
The centre says: “A gorgeous yet shy lady who was originally imported from Russia as a breeding dog before finding herself at the rescue. A four-year-old large girl that hasn’t seen a lot of the world and is looking for a kind home that can help her explore her confidence. Jody would love another dog in the home, preferably a large breed male.”
Name: Grace
Breed: Crossbreed
Location: Many Tears Animal Rescue
(Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue)
The centre says: “A darling girl that found her way here as she was afraid of the man in the house and, although she was extremely worried when arriving here, has tackled lots of phobias and now enjoys meeting lots of people. She’s missing a home and is looking for experienced adopters. Grace, aged four, would love to be an only dog.”
Name: Mickey
Breed: Crossbreed
Location: Many Tears Animal Rescue
(Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue)
The centre says: “A brave soul who was rescued from the Romanian border after being left in the midst of the Ukrainian war. He has gone through so much and, although worried, has the most gentle character around. He would love to live with other dogs.”
Name: Jen
Breed: Beagle
Location: Many Tears Animal Rescue
(Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue)
The centre says: “Two years old, from a breeding background. A confident lady that would love to be the only dog in the home. Active, inquisitive, and people-focused she loves going on adventures and putting her beagle-breed to use. She adores toys but sometimes a bit too much which is why she’ll need an experienced home.”
Name: Sparky
Breed: Huntaway
Location: Many Tears Animal Rescue
(Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue)
The centre says: “An active and intelligent three-year-old boy that needs lots of mental stimulation. He is loyal but has never had someone to teach him his direction in life. He needs an experienced home that will provide lots of fun, exercise, and training. Once you’ve gained his trust you have a sidekick for life. He would love to be an only dog.”
Name: Nitch
Breed: Bichon
Location: Many Tears Animal Rescue
(Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue)
The centre says: “Five years old, from a breeding background. This little lady has been with us for a year and has been one of the most scared dogs we have ever seen. She has gone from being near-feral to now walking on a harness and exploring life beyond kennels but has a long way to go and is hoping that there is someone kind and patient to help her explore another side to life. Nitch must go to a home with other dogs present.”
Name: Clifford
Breed: Crossbreed
Location: Many Tears Animal Rescue
(Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue)
The centre says: “Four years old, saved from a hoarding situation. One of 49 dogs saved. He is active, fun, and growing in confidence every day. He arrived with terrible skin and needed a lot of TLC but is now thriving. He can be housed with other dogs or be the only dog in the home.”
Name: Billy
Breed: Staffordshire bull terrier
Location: RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre
(Image: RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre)
The centre says: “Meet Billy, the handsome and lovable three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier. Billy has a heart full of affection and he thrives on human companionship with an endless supply of love to give. Whilst Billy is a sweetheart with people he has had some challenges with other dogs in the past due to him being under-socialised and as a result he must be the only pet in the household. Billy is muzzle-trained for safety and has also received training in various other areas, showcasing his intelligence and willingness to learn.”
Name: Dora
Breed: Pocket bully
Location: RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre
(Image: RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre)
The centre says: “Meet our darling Dora, our very loving girl. Our beautiful girl Dora is looking for someone to call her own and smother in love. Dora, aged two, came to us through sad circumstances and as a result has missed out on some very important socialising years. Due to this Dora needs a helping hand in discovering new things and learning more about the world around her.
“Dora is a very affectionate girl and is desperate to find her person. When she does we have no doubt she will give them all her love and loyalty.”
Name: Frank
Breed: American bulldog
Location: RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre
(Image: RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre)
The centre says: “Meet our handsome gentleman Frank. Frank is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He has a very gentle loving nature and wants nothing more than to be your best friend. Frank can be a little nervous when he first meets you but his gorgeous character soon comes out once he knows you.
“He would suit a quiet family home with experience of a bull breed who will help him relax and feel secure. Frank has been patiently waiting for his forever home for too long now and we know he is going to be the most amazing companion for the right person.”
- If you wish to express interest in adopting a dog from Greyhound Rescue Wales you can do so by visiting its website by clicking here. For Many Tears Animal Rescue visit its website for information on how to apply, or send donations, by clicking here, and for Llys Nini Animal Centre you can click here to see all the dogs in need of homes or click here to fill in an adoption form.