Dogs Trust appeals for support as over 200 dogs face Christmas in its care

Dogs Trust Ireland is appealing to the public for support as they prepare to care for over 200 dogs, including those who have been abandoned, over Christmas.

The charity has launched its Christmas campaign “STAY”, and they are urging people to remember that bringing a dog into their life should never be an impulse decision.

So far this year, the charity has received more than 2,000 requests from people looking to surrender their dogs. Abandoning dogs can have a devastating impact, and Dogs Trust is using the STAY campaign to highlight this impact.

Bringing a dog into your family should never be an impulse decision; owners should seek help where possible, and Dogs Trust are reiterating that abandonment should never be the answer.

This year, the charity is highlighting the story of Wren and her six four-week-old puppies. Wren and her puppies were found abandoned in an apartment, left alone for two weeks.

The dogs were rescued and brought into the care of Dogs Trust. The puppies recovered and found loving homes, but Wren suffered from anxiety and needed specialist care to build her confidence again. Wren has since found a loving home of her own, but the charity said there are many more dogs that need their help.

Communications Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, Paulina Padlo, said: “It’s incredibly upsetting to think of Wren trying to care for six tiny puppies while they were left alone in an apartment for two weeks. No dog should ever be put in that position.

"We know circumstances can change and that owning a dog can sometimes become difficult, but abandonment is never the answer. We would always encourage people to seek help as early as possible, whether that’s support for behaviour-related issues, looking into dog-walking or pet-sitting services if time is a concern, or speaking to your vet or an animal welfare organisation if you feel you can no longer care for your dog.

"For dogs like Wren who have already been abandoned, the need for help is very real. Over 200 dogs are expected to spend Christmas in our care this year, and we simply would not be able to be there for them without help from our supporters.”