Dickens’ old chalet needs £100k repair
Meet the 12 dogs of Christmas looking for their forever home
RUN DOWN Dickens’ chalet THE chalet where Charles Dickens wrote such works as Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities is in dire need of a £100,000 repair, campaigners say.
Dickens received the Swiss wooden building as a Christmas gift in 1864.
It stood in the grounds of his home in Higham, Kent, but is now in the garden of the Dickens Centre in Rochester.
Steve Martin, of The Dickens Fellowship, said it needs to be carefully taken apart and have each piece of rotten wood replaced.
He said it would be a “disaster” if the money isn’t found, adding: “People come from all over the world to see it.”
Medway Council has twice asked the Heritage Lottery Fund for cash, but was refused both times. He’s only two so still needs positive training and daily exercise, preferably in a garden so he can stretch his legs and play with his soft toys.
The handsome akita, in Basildon, Essex, is a sensitive soul and needs new owners who understand his breed.
He will also need a few visits to get to know his new family. Fluffball Tigger is a fun boy who likes to play with his toys.
He takes a little while to trust new people, but if you’re patient, he soon comes around and is affectionate.
The eight-year-old eurasier, in Evesham, Worcs, would need to be the only pet in the home but can live with children aged 14 plus. Still just a youngster, this two-year-old saluki will need ongoing training in a quiet, adult-only home where he’s the only dog.
Staff at the rehoming centre in Darlington, Co Durham, have seen his sweet and affectionate – and his bouncy, fun-loving – sides. Cuddles are this 10-year-old’s favourite thing in the world, and she’ll adore anyone willing to make a fuss of her.
The crossbreed loves lounging around on the sofa in front of the telly and a gentle stroll rather than long walks.
She’s in Newbury, Berks, and could live with children who are over 11. Bull mastiff Bruno is a big boy who loves his food and lots of human company. He has a really gentle manner but needs an adult-only home. The three-year-old, in Darlington, Co Durham, can be sensitive and likes to be introduced to new situations gradually. If you love playing fetch then this fouryear-old could be for you. Woody loves affection and is happiest exploring on walks and playing – he’s even mastered a couple of tricks. The shih tzu/ springer spaniel cross, who is in Canterbury, Kent, is looking for an active family home and can live with calm children over the age of 14 and, possibly, another dog too. WITH hundreds of dogs searching for a forever home in 2019, these are just a few being cared for by the Dogs Trust. So could you be the answer to giving these cuddly canines their Happy New Year with a new doting family?
■ For information about adopting an animal, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk. This four-year-old German shepherd is clever and affectionate, and needs an active lifestyle – he certainly keeps the staff at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Evesham, Worcs, on their toes.
Franco loves the company of people, so would prefer someone who is around for most of the day.
He could live with children aged 14 plus but needs to be the only dog in the house.
Franco is also on a special diet that helps to maintain his kidney function. The three-year-old Siberian husky cross is one of the smartest dogs in the Leeds rehoming centre and picks things up really quickly. Bouncy and full of character, he loves to play, especially if there are toys involved. Felix enjoys walks but he would prefer to be away from other dogs. This one-year-old loves nothing more than to explore and go on adventures before heading home after a busy day for cuddles.
Crossbreed
Comet is in
Manchester and would adore playing in a secure garden and would be happy in a home with children who are aged over 11. Sweet Radley hasn’t had a great start to life but the seven-year-old is affectionate and would happily curl up in your lap as you relax on the sofa. The crossbreed, in Kenilworth, Warks, is looking for a home with children aged 12 and above, although would prefer to be the only pet. He might be cute but the 10-year-old is no lap dog and needs an owner who will take a hands-off approach. Once settled, he’ll make a great companion.
Cashew, who is in Glasgow, has typical terrier traits, loves putting his nose to good use and can live in a home with children over 12 as well as other dogs. Excitable and friendly, this six-yearold boxer, who’s in West Calder, West Lothian, would be perfect for a family who know and love large breeds. Sarge loves his outdoor space and would be a perfect companion for someone who can keep him company through the day.