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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Brody

Age: Seven

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested  Brody can be shy when he first meets new people, however he will come round in his own time and can be a very affectionate little dogChinese Crested  Brody can be shy when he first meets new people, however he will come round in his own time and can be a very affectionate little dog
Chinese Crested Brody can be shy when he first meets new people, however he will come round in his own time and can be a very affectionate little dog

Brody can be shy when he first meets new people, however, he will come round in his own time and can be a very affectionate little dog, who enjoys cuddles once he has built a bond with you.

Brody is not keen on being left on his own and prefers to have his owners close by.

Brody is looking for a calm and quiet adult only home and he would prefer to go for walks away from busy traffic areas. When Brody is feeling playful, he likes a soft toy, otherwise he is quite happy pottering about the house and generally just knowing someone is there to keep him company. Although he gets along with dogs, he would prefer to be the only dog in the home. Brody has previously had some medical issues which may need to be managed in the future, however the team at Ballymena can provide more information on this.

Barney

Dachshund  Barney is a beautiful little man who loves his walksDachshund  Barney is a beautiful little man who loves his walks
Dachshund Barney is a beautiful little man who loves his walks

Age: Six

Dachshund

Barney is a beautiful little man who loves his walks and has lots of energy for a dog his size. Barney is looking for an understanding, adult only home with no visiting children.

A quiet home would be ideal as Barney would find it difficult adjusting in a busy environment.

Looking for a new home - One-ytear-old Caucasian Shepherd Freya absolutely loves her teddies and playing with her toysLooking for a new home - One-ytear-old Caucasian Shepherd Freya absolutely loves her teddies and playing with her toys
Looking for a new home - One-ytear-old Caucasian Shepherd Freya absolutely loves her teddies and playing with her toys

Barney can be selective with dogs but can socialise when introduced properly, he would be best suited as the only pet in his new home.

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

He said: “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.

“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.”

* Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.