Dogs Trust Manchester is appealing to dog lovers to think big when it comes to welcoming a four-legged friend into their home.
More than one-third of the dogs currently ready to find new homes at the centre are large dogs, so the team are hoping that it won’t be long before they follow in the smaller paw prints of some of their canine companions and head off with their forever families.
Lisa Eardley, Manager of Dogs Trust Manchester, says: “We always have dogs of all sizes, but this is the most large dogs that we’ve cared for at any one time for some time.
“Size isn’t necessarily the most important thing when it comes to finding your ideal furry friend, so given we’ve got so many large dogs now, we’d love people to have an open mind and think about what dog suits their lifestyle rather than the size or breed.
“Some time ago a family that were intent on adopting a Rottweiler went home with a Chihuahua as what he needed was exactly what they were able to provide, so you just never know!”
Many of the larger dogs currently at the centre can live with children and one such dog is Bruno, an eight-year-old Presa Canario who had lived with his owner from being a puppy. Sadly, last summer he had to leave behind everything he’d ever known due to a change in his owner’s circumstances. It took Bruno a little time to adjust, but he is now ready to find a new home and would love to settle in with a quiet family who will take him on gentle walks after which he’d love to chill out on the sofa or in the garden.
Other larger residents include one-year-old Rottweiler Cross, Roger, who was found as a stray earlier this year. He would also be happy to share his home with children aged eleven and over, whilst Great Dane Humphrey, who likes to think of himself as a lap dog despite his size, would like an adult-only home but would enjoy the company of a fun-loving four-legged friend.
Last but not least is one-year-old, Zeus, an American Bulldog Cross who arrived at the centre last month. He loves to be with people so the team want to find him a home where he won’t be left home alone and where he can play and relax in a secure garden to burn off some of his youthful energy.
Lisa says: “All of our dogs have very different personalities and want different things out of life. Bruno is definitely ready to take life easier than he might have been in his younger years whilst Roger and Humphrey are larger than life.
“However, Humphrey is a sensitive soul who needs to be given time to get to know people whereas Roger never hesitates to say hello to everyone he meets and Zeus is also really friendly but being so young and big his owners will need to help him learn how to curb his enthusiasm a little!
“Whatever their differences, all of these dogs have one thing in common – they are all more than ready to find their spot on a large sofa at the heart of their families. We really hope that people considering welcoming a dog into their life have room in their heart and their home for one of our big beauties.”
If you would like to find out about these or any of the dogs waiting at Dogs Trust Manchester to find their forever homes, or how you can volunteer for the charity, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk
