FIND YOUR PAWFECT MATCH
These woof-ly dogs are searching for a fur-ever home so in time for Valentine’s Day we reveal their dating profiles – is one of them your ulti-mutt partner?
WE all know about Ireland’s human housing crisis — but there’s an accommodation problem for the nation’s dog population too.
This week, we learned that more than 400 dogs have been handed into leading charity Dogs Trust so far this year — and that’s on top of an unprecedented number of surrender requests in 2023.
Last year, more than 4,000 people contacted the charity to give up their animals, with reasons ranging from accommodation challenges to time restraints and behaviour issues.
‘There’s been a 13 per cent increase on surrender requests this January and in 2023, we received the highest volume of requests to take in dogs from members of the public since we opened our doors in 2009,’ says Corina Fitzsimons of Dogs Trust.
The breeds that are most commonly surrendered are German shepherds, labradors, Jack Russells and collies, says Corina, adding that this is more to do with the volume of them in the country rather than it being breed-related.
‘The most common age group are young dogs up to a year old and this is why we are so keen to make people aware of our Dog School training classes as we are eager to keep as many dogs as possible in their existing homes,’ she says.
The charity is desperately looking for human help, be it adoption or fostering — the latter option being a really good choice for those who are unable to fully commit to dog rehoming,
‘Fostering a dog not only gives invaluable experience in caring for a dog but it plays a fundamental role in helping the most vulnerable dogs get back on their paws and have a better chance of finding their forever home,’ says Corina.
‘It also creates space for us to care for even more dogs as we only have so much kennel space and the more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can help.’
As such, the charity has created The Sleepover Club, or weekend fostering, aimed at those who may not be able to commit to adoption or conventional fostering but would still love some doggie company.
‘It is ideal for those who may work long hours during the week but have time in their weekends to give a dog a break from kennels,’ says Corina. ‘The potential weekend fosterer will need to come to our rehoming centre for multiple visits to get to know the dog that they have been matched with. How many visits will depend on the dog and their progress.
‘Once a bond has been established, the foster carer can then arrange to come and collect their foster dog on their days off.’
While this means humans have the pleasure of hanging out with a fourlegged friend, studies have shown such a break can hugely benefit the dogs too.
‘Research shows that dogs spending time out of their kennels and in homes with families enriches their lives tremendously and drops their stress levels,’ says Corina.
‘These dogs sleep better and the human interaction they receive improves their overall welfare. ‘In a home environment, the dogs will be able to acclimatise to everyday items that may be new for them — which will be a big help to them when they hopefully find their forever homes.’
As we enter the most romantic week of the year, Dogs Trust has compiled a list of some of the canine cuties desperately in need of a forever home. From pups to older dogs, each has their own tail to share — can you find a re-bark-able pal?
■ SEE dogstrust.ie for more information on adoption or fostering