Ilfracombe dog charity seeks homes before Christmas

A dog charity based in Ilfracombe is on the hunt for loving homes for its dogs before the festive season arrives.

With less than 10 weeks until Christmas, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is appealing to the public to help find permanent homes for the 41 dogs currently in its care, offering them the ultimate Christmas gift;  a home for life.

The charity's call to action comes as it reports receiving over 32,000 handover enquiries from owners unable to care for their dogs this year alone. 

Fortunately, Dogs Trust has found new homes for more than 6,000 dogs across the UK in 2024, but the need continues to grow.

One dog hoping to find a new family before Christmas is Ru, a five-year-old Lurcher Cross with a big heart.

Described as both smart and energetic, Ru is seeking an active household where he can be the only pet. He’s housetrained, travels well in a car, and enjoys quiet walks. 

Currently living in a foster home as part of Dogs Trust’s Home from Home Scheme, Ru is patiently waiting for his forever family.

Elise Watson, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, says “Christmas is fast approaching, and we are hoping to find forever homes for as many dogs as possible ahead of the festive season. While the Dogs Trust team will make sure that the dogs in our care over Christmas are well looked after, with festive treats and gifts galore, we all know there’s nowhere quite like home. We are certain that there is a fantastic forever home for each and every one of our dogs, and we’d like to see as many as possible settled in their new happy places ahead of Christmas.”

“Welcoming a dog into your home is a wonderful experience, but it requires commitment, both in terms of time and money. We work closely with prospective adopters to ensure they’re fully prepared to welcome one of our dogs into their home, and our team carefully matches each dog with a family and home that suits them best. And our care doesn’t stop at rehoming – we offer ongoing support and guidance to owners throughout their dog's life. At Dogs Trust, our dogs are part of the family for life, not just for Christmas."

Dogs Trust, which coined the phrase “A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas” in 1978, continues to stress the importance of responsible dog ownership.

They carefully match each dog with the right family and offer ongoing support to adopters.

For more information about Ru or any other dogs looking for homes at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ilfracombe