Pet rescue shelters are always looking for responsible pet owners to adopt the animals in their care.

At Ashley Heath Animal Centre, most of the animals are rescued from neglect and bad treatment so are given weeks, and sometimes months of preparation to get them ready for a second chance in life.

It costs the RSPCA more than £1,500 per day to run Ashley Heath Animal Centre and they rely entirely on donations so if you aren't in a position to adopt a pet right now, you could still offer your support by making a financial contribution.

However, if you are on the lookout for a tail-wagger to join your family, take a look at these five, all in search of their forever homes.

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Patch

Bournemouth Echo:

Breed: Siberian Husky crossbreed
Age: Approximately 2 years

This sweet boy arrived at the centre when a change in his previous owner's circumstances meant his needs could no longer be met.

Patch absolutely adores people and human companionship; he loves nothing more than some fuss and a good brush.

Patch is strong on the lead and is currently being trained to walk on a Halti, however, his adopter would need to be used to large, strong dog breeds with experience of husky types, especially desirable.

Patch's previous owners stated that Patch did not get along with other dogs therefore, he would need to be the only dog in his new home with no other animals.

An intelligent boy who enjoys his training, knows how sit and paw with the potential to learn so much more, he would need to go to an active home that would give him the exercise and mental stimulation dogs like him require.

For more information on Patch and how to adopt him, visit the RSPCA website.

Trudy

Bournemouth Echo:

Breed: Saluki crossbreed
Age: Approximately 1 year

Trudy was kept individually in a cage so has not had a lot of experience in the world outside the home but did have rotated access to the garden.

She doesn’t have very good social skills with other dogs and can jump around on the lead, barking and lunging.

Trudy will also require some further toilet training as well as basic training. Quite friendly although a little timid at times, she is very energetic.

The ideal home for Trudy would be a quiet household where there are no children under the age of 15 years. She cannot be rehomed with cats or small animals and will require company throughout the day.

For more information on Trudy and how to adopt her, visit the RSPCA website.

Yum Yum

Bournemouth Echo:

Breed: Chinese Crested
Age: Approximately 3 years

Another of the dogs rescued by an RSPC inspector, Yum Yum was kept in a cage and has little experience of the outside world.

She does not have very good social skills with other dogs but will require some further toilet training as well as basic training.

Yum Yum is quite friendly although initially she can be a little unsure and worried and will bark at people she doesn't know.

The ideal home for her would be a quiet household where there are no children under 16 years old or other pets.

She will require company through the day and her new owners will ideally have had some experience of timid/unsocialised dogs or at least have some understanding of nervous behaviour.

For more information on Yum Yum and how to adopt her, visit the RSPCA website.

Eddy

Bournemouth Echo:

Breed: Fox Terrier
Age: Approximately 3 years

Eddy is another rescue with limited outside experience having been rescued from the same home as Yum Yum and Trudy.

He is a very inquisitive and friendly dog who comes across as very confident but does get easily worried.

He has lacked socialisation with other dogs and can be very choosy over who he likes so will require further social training as well as basic training.

The ideal home for Eddy will be with people who are active and enjoy their walks, willing to do lots of training to keep his mind active as well as his body.

He requires a home where there is someone home through the day and, following assessment, may be ok to live with children aged 13 and above but would be best suited as the only pet in the home.

For more information on Eddy and how to adopt him, visit the RSPCA website.

Ralph

Bournemouth Echo:

Breed: Terrier crossbreed
Age: Approximately 1 year

After coming into the centre, it was discovered Ralph only knew the world through lockdown and as a result has had little socialising or basic training.

However, Ralph has shown he is quick to learn and has been a star pupil, mastering sit, lie down, and an enthusiastic twirl.

Ralph will benefit from being taught general life skills such as learning to be left and toilet training. He will best suit someone who has an interest in training as he does enjoy learning new tricks. He may even like an activity like agility.

With a number of dog friends at the centre, Ralph enjoys his social walks, but does appreciate his own space and can be picky with the dogs he likes. He is an active dog, so will need someone who can give him all the exercise and attention he needs.

Ralph is looking for an adult-only home with no other pets in the household and a secure garden for him to explore. There must also be no visiting children.

A new owner experienced with terrier breeds and all their unique quirks would be ideal.

For more information on Ralph and how to adopt him, visit the RSPCA website.