Dogs Trust Kenilworth reveal why people gave up their dogs at Christmas - The Leamington Observer

Dogs Trust Kenilworth reveal why people gave up their dogs at Christmas

Leamington Editorial 26th Dec, 2017   0

DOG Trust Kenilworth has revealed some of the reasons people decided a dog was just for Christmas.

The rehoming centre is bracing itself for the post-Christmas influx of unwanted dogs.

Last January the centre received nearly 450 calls from people looking to rehome their dogs.

Reasons included getting a dog as a secret Santa present, the dog not being a vegetarian, panting too much, too friendly and even the dog wanting to sleep in her own bed instead of the owner’s.




Now the charity is calling on people to remember their slogan ‘A dog is for life not just for Christmas’.

Rehoming centre manager Emma Healey said: “In the weeks following Christmas last year we received almost 450 calls from owners wanting to give up their dog.


“That is so sad as dogs deserve to be treated as a member of the family. They aren’t disposable commodities, they are a huge commitment and should be for life.

“Dogs Trust take in thousands of much loved dogs from heartbroken owners who sadly find themselves unable to continue to care for their dogs due to unavoidable changes in their circumstances so it’s particularly hard for staff when they see the other end of the spectrum; dogs handed in simply because their owner’s bought them on a whim and consider them little more than toys to be discarded when the novelty wears off.

“We really hope this Christmas is the year our nation of animal lovers finally takes heed of our slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and we don’t see dogs discarded because their owners have not considered the lifetime commitment of dog ownership.

Dogs Trust urge anyone considering getting a dog to ensure they do their research to find a dog compatible with their lifestyle so they are fully aware of the realities of caring for a dog for the duration of its lifetime.

Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/Christmas2017 To find out more about what to consider when getting a dog.

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