A sweet dog with an unfortunate start to life is ready for his luck to change this year. Toby the seven-year-old terrier cross was found as a stray and is now at Dogs Trust Basildon looking to settle into a quiet, adult-only home.
Toby's top priorities in life are a play in the garden and the opportunity to learn new tricks with daily treats. If you can provide those things, then he could be the boy for you. Manager Kelly McMaster told the Mirror: "Toby is a really clever boy who hasn't had the easiest of times, so we want to find him his ideal home so that he can live his best life.
"He will be a rewarding dog to have as part of the family. He just needs that special someone to realise he's the dog for them."
Toby would like to live with a maximum of two people without hustle and bustle.
He is an active boy but he doesn't like to bump into too many dogs when he's on his walks, which is why he'd benefit from a secure garden to play and relax in.
He would like to be the only dog in the home and would suit a home without visiting children.
Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, cares for around 14,000 dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes every year at its 22 rehoming centres.
But this year has been an exceptional year with the charity receiving a record number of calls from people having to face the heart-breaking decision to hand over their dog.
The charity is urging people to remember that 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas' and is hoping that if people are considering welcoming a dog into their lives, they choose to adopt a homeless hound.
Operations director Adam Clowes says: "We will make sure that every dog in our care has a wonderful Christmas but unfortunately due to the increasing costs of everyday living, many dog owners are currently having to make very difficult decisions when it comes to caring for their dog.
"Our kennels are at capacity and we are concerned that as fewer people can afford to welcome a dog into their life, we will face a housing crisis for dogs in the coming months, which is a tragedy for both dogs and owners.
"We understand the pressures people are facing but we would encourage anyone that is looking for a four-legged friend to share their life with, to consider adopting one of our gorgeous dogs and give a dog in need another chance to be happy at the heart of a loving home."
If you think you could give Toby a new home this New Year, visit his rehoming page on Dogs Trust's website.
