Wexford pet store uses AI to create perfect owners for rescue dogs

CHOOSING a dog to adopt is never easy. Having made the decision to bring a canine companion into your life, committed to this long- term relationship, one must figure out the breed, the gender, and the age of your housemate to be. And then, having made your choice, you arrive at the shelter and have your heart stolen by each and every pooch you meet.

But now, thanks to the wonders of artificial intelligence ( AI), prospective owners can be paired with their ideal dog without leaving the house.

To mark National Adopt a Shelter Month, Wexford petstore Dec’s Pets have utilised AI to design the perfect owner for pups looking for a forever home. In partnership with Wexford SPCA, the popular pet store has used five dogs, Dean, Jenny, Hope, Milo, and Waffles, and created the ideal owner for each.

Dean is an 11- month old, highly affectionate lurcher who enjoys a good cuddle, playing fetch and loves his food. According to the technology, Dean’s owner should be a young blonde man with boyband good looks. So, if you fit the bill, contact the Wexford SPCA now.

Jenny is a two- year- old collie cross who also loves a good cuddle, and licking , but does not enjoy loud noises or empty food bowls. Her owner, according to AI, should be a male, outdoorsy type, with flowing locks and kind eyes. Meanwhile, Hope is a one- year- old, playful lurcher/ collie cross, perfect for an active family home her ideal owner would be a swarthy young man with dark, brooding looks and strong arms.

Milo is a playful, cuddly and loveable eight- month old who loves a good cuddle, tummy rubs and chew times; the AI thinks Milo’s owner should be a sultr y, young woman with great cheekbones.

Lastly, Waffles was actually born in the WSPCA kennels, her mother arriving as a stray and giving birth shortly after. Waffles is a spaniel cross that loves her mummy, playing with her siblings and being the centre of attention, she would be ideal for a young boy with a big heart.

Declan O’Keefe is the Digital Director at Dec’s Pet and explains why rescue dogs are the best option for animal- lovers.

“Animal rescues have seen a 44 per cent increase in dogs being put up for adoption in the last year,” he said. “Still battling the impact of Covid-19 and now hit with the cost of living crisis, pet owners and rescues are struggling nationwide. This is why we’ve teamed up with our partners at the WSPCA to get as many of their shelter dogs rehomed as possible whilst raising awareness for all the fantastic animal shelters across Ireland.

“Each adoption not only saves a life but also opens up space for another deserving soul to find their forever family. It’s about compassion, second chances, and the pure joy of knowing you’ve made a difference in a furry friend’s life.”

If you would like to adopt any of the dogs pictured contact the WSPCA on info@wexfordspca. ie or 087 988 4272.