STAFF at Dogs Trust Evesham are calling on dog lovers to consider opening their homes and hearts to a homeless hound whilst remembering the charity’s iconic slogan: 'A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas.'

The rehoming centre in Wickhamford will be caring for around 60 dogs over the festive period, but as December 25 approaches there are 12 homeless hounds who all have their paws crossed that they will be spending Christmas Day in a loving new home.

Dogs Trust Evesham rehoming centre manager, Chris Slight, said: “Our 12 dogs of Christmas each have differing looks, personalities and needs but each one will make a wonderful addition to a loving new home so we are appealing for anyone who would like to rehome one of these deserving dogs to please get in touch.

“In an age where dogs can be purchased with the click of a button over the internet, we continue to see many unwanted and abandoned dogs coming through our doors over the Christmas period, simply because people haven’t taken into consideration the lifelong commitment of dog ownership.

“We urge anyone thinking of getting a dog during this busy period to seriously think about the commitment involved before making a decision to bring a four-legged family member into your home. Dog ownership can be challenging but also extremely rewarding, especially if you are giving a rescue dog a second chance at happiness.

“We are reminding everyone that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas, and, if you are thinking about getting a dog in 2018, to consider rehoming a rescue dog.”

The 12 Dogs of Christmas:

Four-year-old chihuahua Prince is described as an adorable chap with a big personality.

He loves the fun side of life, playing with a toy or chewing a tasty treat and he quite likes a fuss once he gets to know you. He will need an owner who has minimal visitors and no other pets to help him settle in and give him their undivided attention.

Fred the two-year-old greyhound is a sweet boy with so much love to give. He would love a cosy, quiet space to call his own and just needs some gentle guidance to become the affectionate companion he wants to be. He can potentially live with children over the age of 16 and could live with other dogs.

Reilly is a one-year-old lurcher who is full of enthusiasm. He loves to play and his favourite thing ever is chasing after a ball. He loves people so isn’t too keen on being left alone for too long so new owners will need to be at home a lot to keep him company to begin with. Reilly needs a home with people who are willing to continue his training and socialisation as he is still learning about the world and he can potentially live with dogs, but will not be suitable to live with cats, small pets or children.

Seven-year-old terrier cross, Basil is a handsome little man, but underneath his brave face he can find it hard to trust new people so needs patient owners who will take things slowly. Despite his size, Basil is not a lap dog and doesn’t enjoy too much fuss. But he’s a very clever little chap and loves to learn new tricks. He will need a patient adult-only home with no other pets.

Seth is a five-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, and wants nothing more than a cuddle this Christmas. Seth would prefer his new owner to be around for most of the day to keep him company and offer him unlimited fuss. He is keen to please and would love the opportunity to learn new tricks and explore new places. Seth could potentially live with older children but he’d need to be the only pet in the home.

Terrier cross, Cookie is looking for a quiet home where she can relax and put her paws up. At nine-years-old, she is an older lady but still very active and loves a gentle stroll. She is one clever cookie and has a repertoire of tricks that she has been learning in exchange for tasty treats. She is looking for a calm retirement home with owners who will give her time to settle in and a home with no children or pets. Cookie does have ongoing medical needs which will be covered by Dogs Trust.

Seven-year-old German shepherd Missy is an adorable girl who is really missing her home comforts. She enjoys a fuss a cuddle from her canine carers but would love to be spending Christmas in a forever home. Toys are her favourite, especially the squeaky variety. Missy can take time to relax so is looking for a calm home where she can settle and lead a quiet life. She could live with children over the age of eight, but would need to be the only pet in the home.

Bisto the nine-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier is an awesome chap who loves a belly rub. In typical Staffy fashion he is very affectionate and loves the company of people. He’d prefer a quiet home where he can enjoy his home comforts , ideally with a nice garden so he can run around after a ball. He’d like to be the only pet in the home but could live with children aged 14 and above.

Ex-racing greyhound Cecil is a shy lad who has hung up his racing shoes and is looking for a quiet home in his retirement. He loves food so this will be a good way to start the bonding process and allow his sweet, loving character to shine through. Cecil is looking for a quiet home with patient owners who will be around for most of the day but give him the time and space he needs to settle in.He needs an adult only home with no other pets.

Lhasa apsos Ajax and Tangle are affectionate, friendly and love fuss. They are devoted to one another so would love a home together where they can go on gentle walks and settle into their new home with a new owner by their side. They could live with older teenager and possibly with other dogs.

Nine-year-old terrier, Albert is a cheeky chap who you’re bound to fall in love with. He’s extremely clever and loves playing with his toys so would love a forever home that is just as active and playful as his personality. Albert is looking for an adult-only, pet-free home with owners who will take the time to build up his confidence in a safe environment.

If you can offer any of these dogs a home, please call 0300 303 0292 or pop into the rehoming centre at 89 Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, Evesham WR11 7RT.