Would you have space in your heart and home for one of these dogs?

This week sees our regular feature, in association with Dogs Trust, Ballymena, highlight two of the adorable dogs currently in its care who are looking for their ‘forever homes’.
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Shadow

Labrador Cross

Age: 12

Shadow is a lovely, friendly Lab cross. He loves human company, getting out for his daily walks and exercise, and adores his foodShadow is a lovely, friendly Lab cross. He loves human company, getting out for his daily walks and exercise, and adores his food
Shadow is a lovely, friendly Lab cross. He loves human company, getting out for his daily walks and exercise, and adores his food

Shadow is a lovely, friendly Lab cross. He loves human company, getting out for his daily walks and exercise, and adores his food - a little too much! Shadow would need to be the only pet in the home and can live with children, aged 16 and over, or an adult only home. He is very friendly with new people and can be introduced to new people very well. Shadow needs an understanding family that will allow him time to settle down in his new home. He is an older boy with slight ongoing medical requirements which can be discussed with the Centre Team.

Hunter

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Age: 7

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Hunter was taken to a local dog pound and the team at Dogs Trust Ballymena took him under their wing.  He  adores the company of humansStaffordshire Bull Terrier Hunter was taken to a local dog pound and the team at Dogs Trust Ballymena took him under their wing.  He  adores the company of humans
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Hunter was taken to a local dog pound and the team at Dogs Trust Ballymena took him under their wing. He adores the company of humans

Hunter was taken to a local dog pound and the team at Dogs Trust Ballymena took him under their wing. Despite not being in the best condition when he arrived at the centre, with lots of love and some special baths, he is now back to full health and ready to meet the family of his dreams. Hunter adores the company of humans, one of his favourites is snuggles on the sofa. We don’t know much about Hunter’s history, but he can be very wary of dogs coming into his space. Hunter would love to be the only pet in his new home. He is happy to jump into the car for adventures in quiet areas, so he doesn’t get frightened by approaching dogs, he would love someone about the house a good part of the day as he adores attention. Hunter is very friendly and could live in a home with children aged 14 and over, he is fully house trained and loves to play with toys.

Writing to the Editor this week, Conor O’Kane, Dogs Trust Ballymena Rehoming Centre Manager explains the latest changes at the Centre as restrictions begin to ease.

He explains: “Since the pandemic hit, Dogs Trust Ballymena has been continuing to take in, care for and rehome dogs, thanks to our amazing team and local supporters. During this time, we have established a virtual rehoming process which has been a huge success, levelling the playing field for many dogs who have been previously overlooked by potential new families.

“Amid the upheaval of the past year, we have been incredibly proud of how our team has overcome the challenges faced to do the best by our dogs. The pandemic has allowed us to try new things and take valuable learnings away to inform new processes.

“As restrictions lift, we will be continuing with our successful virtual rehoming process to match dogs with their new owners. However, we love being part of the local community and want to start welcoming people back to the centre, while continuing to put the wellbeing of our dogs and staff first.

“From June 20th, members of the local dog-loving public can book a slot to visit the centre on one of our Information Days, held every Sunday between 12-4pm. Visitors will be able to meet our friendly staff, see the best of Dogs Trust Ballymena including our state-of-the-art kennels and – most importantly – see some of our gorgeous dogs spending time with their canine carers.

“Information Days will not have a rehoming focus, and anyone who is interested in rehoming a dog from us will be directed to the virtual rehoming process to begin their rehoming journey. We believe these more intimate visitor Information Days will help our dogs to start to feel comfortable again in the presence of members of the public, while helping us to keep staff and visitors safe.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank local dog lovers for their continued support and for helping us do what’s best for the dogs in our care. To book a slot on one of our Information Days, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ourcentres.

“If you are interested in rehoming a dog, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to find out more about our virtual rehoming process.

Thank you”