Even though it’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, the Christmas season can be a real downer for some dogs. Living in a shelter over Christmas is no fun, but what’s worse is dogs finally getting adopted as Christmas gifts and returned shortly afterwards. This happens a lot unfortunately.
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, takes tons of calls from people surrendering their no longer wanted pups after the holidays. The organization maintains a network of 20 Rehoming Centres across the UK and Ireland, caring for over 16,000 stray, unwanted, and abandoned dogs annually.
Dogs Trust wants to remind everyone what they firmly believe, which is that “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.”
“Unfortunately, dogs are often abandoned at this busy and expensive time of year, as many people underestimate just how much time, love and care a dog really needs.”
So many shelter dogs looking for homes could use some help from the best gift giver there is: Santa Paws! Since the dogs themselves can’t really write their own letters to Santa, their volunteers and caretakers with Dogs Trust did that for them. Then they posed for a picture, showing off their adoptable good looks.
The letters express the individual dog’s desires, but they all have a common link. Each dog is hoping for a home not just for the holidays, but forever. Charlie in Canterbury “wrote” about his progress.
“I have been a good boy this year, making new human and doggie friends. I love cheese and chicken but what I really want is to find a forever home!”
The volunteers giving a voice to the voiceless this holiday season are hoping it will lead to many permanent adoptions. The letters to Santa campaign spanned all locations of Dogs Trust. Many letters decorate shelter hallways.
These good boys and girls far and wide just want rewards for making the nice list this year!
“Dear Santa, I am Otto. The Doberman! I have been a good boy this year. I enjoy playing ball, I like my soft toys, and I love to go on long walks. What I really want is some humans of my own to share my adventures with please.”
Just in case Santa Paws can’t get the job done, you can follow the hashtag #ADogIsForLifeNotJustForChristmas and read some of the letters. Maybe you can make one of these pups’ wishes come true!
If you can’t adopt, consider donating to help over 1500 dogs in Dogs Trust’s care this holiday season. Remember, dogs aren’t just gifts. They’re family members for years and years.
H/T: Daily Mail
Featured Image: @DT_Ilfracombe/Twitter
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via Whisker Therapy