Popular Forteviot charity marks special year Collie cross is 8000th dog to find a loving home

“The poor animal could hardly walk he was so large. He lost some weight on a strict diet while he was at PADS and more after he was re-homed.

“He had lots of healthy food and exercise and went on to win ‘slimmer of the year’ in a contest organised by a dog food manufacturer in London.

“Then there was Frank, the dog who refused to be re-homed because he loved life at PADS so much he just would not settle in any of the good homes we tried and finally we gave up and made him a permanent resident at Forteviot. Dear old Frank was with us until he died a few years later.

“Then there were two lovely Lurchers, father and son. Dad was blind and stayed in step with his son, who looked after him and kept an eye on his every move. It was wonderful to see this bond between them. They eventually found a lovely home - together, of course.

“And I shall never forget Jess, a sweet, gentle German Shepherd who had been tortured and left to die in the dark at the bottom of an old mineshaft.

“You can imagine our anger when she came to us. We could hardly believe that anyone could be so cruel to a lovely animal like Jess.

“After she had recovered from her ordeal under PADS care she found a home with a wonderful lady who adored her and Jess lived a long and happy life.”

Louise’s advice to potential dog owners is to research the breed before you buy a puppy.

There’s no point, she says, in getting a Bull Mastiff or a Husky if you live in a flat.

Make sure any puppy comes from a registered breeder or you may end up with an animal with serious health problems.

Louise continued: “There are endless horror stories about puppy farms so be sure of the origin of your new pet.

“If people followed some of these guidelines, fewer dogs would come to animal shelters like PADS.

“Remember that there are many dogs needing new homes and the wee scruffy homeless dog can often be the best, most loyal friend you can have.”

PADS is indebted to the kindness of the folk of Perthshire who have donated not only money but beds, blankets, food and toys to help abandoned dogs over the 30-year period.

Alison added: “We are so grateful to everyone who has been good to us over all these years. Without them we could not have helped the 8000 to find new lives.

“Our thanks also to the folk who have adopted PADS dogs.

“You are all very special.”