RSPCA staff are working around the clock to care for nine Dachshund puppies and their mum in the run-up to Christmas.
Miniature Dachshund Olive arrived in the RSPCA’s care last month along with her nine three-week old puppies who staff believe had been bred for sale as Christmas presents.
The dogs were all signed over into RSPCA care and the pups – now six-weeks old – are now preparing to go jingle all the way into their new homes. 
Staff at RSPCA Halifax, Huddesfield, Bradford and District branch have been providing round-the-clock care to the young family and are appealing to the public for help.
Manager Julie Cockroft said: “We have to have one member of staff constantly allocated to these puppies as even the simplest of tasks – such as checking an cleaning their teeth – can take ages with nine wriggly, little puppies.
“They need a lot of care and, also a lot of specialist things so if any members of the public are able to help by making donations or dropping off any useful items then that would be hugely helpful. We’re particularly looking for puppy food and toys to keep them entertained.
“We are currently taking applications for these adorable little pups and we’ve been absolutely inundated with responses – with more than 500 coming into us. In less than 24 hours, some from as far afield as Thailand.
“If you’d like to apply for one of the pups please check out their online profile and submit your application from before Saturday (7 December) at midnight.”
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolf are not yet ready to go to their new homes. Staff would like to get the rehoming process under way so that the pups can go to their new homes in the New Year.
The centre has asked that members of the public remain patient as it will take them some time to go through all of the applications and they may not be able to respond to everyone. They ask that you don’t call the centre to ask about the puppies as you may prevent an emergency from getting through.
Julie added: “We’ve only got nine puppies and we’ve already got hundreds of families who are interested so we would love it if people could look at some of the other dogs in our care who are also hoping to find their forever homes.
“If you aren’t matched to one of the puppies then please do consider their mum, Olive, or one of our other dogs, such as Stella or Max. While we do ask for an adoption donation for each of the dogs to rehome, we always end up at a loss – particularly with puppies who require los of specialist food, round-the-clock care and veterinary treatments.
“So if anyone would like to donate whatever they can to help cover our costs for caring for these puppies and all of the other animals we’re helping in the run-up to Christmas and over the festive season, we’d be hugely grateful.”
To donate directly to RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District branch you can visit www.rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk.
