Not one, but two long-legged lurchers are looking to find a home after spending the start of summer at Dogs Trust Manchester. And with many Brits set to break up for summer, it could be the perfect time to welcome a dog into the home and get them settled in.
Lurchers, along with greyhounds, tend to spend a longer period of time in kennels waiting for new potential owners, usually as a result of misconceptions about the breed. And while Diesel and Dawson haven’t spent too long in rescue just yet - the charity wants to find the boys a home sooner rather than later.
The average length of stay at Dogs Trust for lurchers is around two months, with smaller breeds such as Shih Tzu’s spending less than half that time before going off to new homes.
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Dawn Bishop, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, said: “These two gorgeous boys haven’t been with us long and we’d love to find them their ideal homes sooner rather than later. We are unsure why these breeds tend to stay with us a bit longer than others, however we find there are sometimes misconceptions about the care involved if giving them a home.
“For example, given how fast they are, we occasionally find potential owners think they need more exercise than the average dog, which isn’t necessarily true. Some of them also need to wear a muzzle when out for walks because they can get overly excited around small animals due to their natural prey instinct. However, we often find that once we have a chance to talk this through with potential owners, it helps them understand the breed and hopefully they then consider giving them a home.
“We really hope we can find amazing new homes for Diesel and Dawson and continue to change perceptions about these fantastic breeds.”
Dawson, aged two, was found as a stray, but volunteers say it hasn’t affected his zest for life. The bouncy lad loves food, tennis balls and affection, and will do anything for a fuss.
Since arriving at the Denton-based rehoming centre, Dawson has made a lot of four-legged friends, but can be a little unsure around larger, excitable dogs.
The rescue added: ““Dawson would love a home where he is the only dog so he can lap up all the love, but he’d like the opportunity to meet up with doggie friends when he’s out and about. He thoroughly enjoys going for interesting walks off site or pottering around the centre saying hello to everyone he meets.
“He would make a lovely family pet and can live with children aged 11 years or older who are comfortable with a bouncy canine companion. Dawson can be strong on the lead so his owners will benefit from doing some loose lead walking training with him.”
Or, if you think you’d like to adopt a slightly older dog, Diesel could be the pooch to make your summer memories with. The six-year-old dog arrived at the rehoming centre earlier this month after a change in his owner’s circumstances meant they could no longer care for him.
He had lived in the same loving home since being nine months old, but he has coped well and has adjusted to kennel life, volunteers say.
Some of Diesel’s favourite things include treats and squeaky toys, which he loves throwing in the air and catching. “He has a lovely, sweet nature and loves a snuggle,” Dogs Trust said. “He enjoys his walks and happily potters alongside taking in his surroundings. He enjoys treats and toys and is very entertaining. After a nice walk and a snack he can be found happily snoozing the day away.”
Diesel will need to be the only pet in the home, but he can live with children aged eight and over and is used to the comings and goings of a busy family. He would like his own space when eating or resting and would love a secure garden where he can enjoy off-lead time.
The rescue added: “He travels well in the car and enjoys an adventure so would benefit from being taken to secure fields where he can enjoy burning off some energy. He is happy to meet dogs out and about but due to his high chase drive will need to wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead in public spaces.”
If you would like to give either of these long-legged lovelies a home, please visit the Dogs Trust rehoming page.
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