Dogs Trust chief Owen Sharp has revealed 2023 has been a busy year for the group which rehomes unwanted dogs.
He said: "We have received more than 40,000 enquiries this year from people who sadly felt they had no other option but to hand their dog into our care. As a dog owner myself, I understand only too well what a heartbreaking decision it can be to have to give up your dog, which is why we have tried to support as many dog owners as possible through initiatives including our pet food banks and free-to-access Behaviour Support Line.
"Despite the many challenges we’re still facing, it heartens me to say that we also continue to witness the best in human nature from our dog loving nation. This year we have found homes for over 10,000 dogs of all breeds and ages, including almost 400 puppies born in Dogs Trust’s care. To everyone who has welcomed a new four-legged friend into their family by adopting from Dogs Trust, thank you.
"Earlier this year we issued a plea for more volunteer fosterer carers to come forward to offer temporary homes to some of the dogs in our care. Kind-hearted members of the public responded in their thousands, and we are now able to offer many more dogs somewhere safe and secure to stay while they wait their forever home. Other volunteers continue to support our work by taking on incredible fundraising challenges and by regularly giving up their time to support the staff at our rehoming centres. It simply would not be possible to achieve all that we do for the dogs in our care without this support – so thank you.
"As we approach a new year, our dedicated staff and volunteers remain committed to making tomorrow’s world a better place for all dogs so they can live full, safe and happy lives. On behalf of everyone at Dogs Trust, I’d like to wish all our supporters a very Happy New Year, one in which we look forward to helping many more dogs find their forever homes."
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