2022 has brought many challenges to the staff at the Leeds Dogs Trust rehoming centre, and they have faced them with resilience and dedication. The charity received the highest annual number of handover requests in its 131-year history, which is a clear indicator that the current cost of living crisis is hitting dog ownership hard.
Thankfully the dedicated team in Leeds have been there for countless dogs, and adopters, and have many things to celebrate. Take a look back at the year below.
1. 114 puppies, like Staffy pup Spot, were adopted from Dogs Trust Leeds in 2022
The centre cared for and rehomed 114 puppies over the year. They were a real mix of breeds and ages, with some litters being born on site and even in foster homes, but thankfully all the pups who found themselves in the care of Dogs Trust Leeds are now living happily in their forever homes. Little Spot, pictured, was handed over at 8 weeks old after a member of his family found themselves to be allergic. Being deaf meant he needed to learn some simple sign language to set him up for his adult life, but he soon figured things out and was adopted a few weeks later. Photo: Dogs Trust
2. Handsome Akita Cross Steve was one of the 510 dogs to be rehomed in 2022
The Leeds rehoming centre found loving new homes for an amazing 510 dogs in 2022! Handsome two-year-old Akita Cross, Steve, was one of the last dogs to be adopted in 2022. He had been found as a stray several weeks earlier and thankfully was brought to the centre after finding himself in the local council stray dog kennels. He was a real hit with the team due to his chilled approach to life and after a number of ‘getting to know you’ meets with his adopters, he was signed out and left to start the new year, and his new life, with his new family. Good luck, Steve! Photo: Dogs Trust
3. 89 OAPs (Old Aged Pooches!) were adopted from Dogs Trust Leeds in 2022 but Patterdale Terrier Billy hopes his chance comes soon
Older dogs still have a huge amount of love to give to their new families, and in 2022 Dogs Trust Leeds successfully rehomed 89 OAPs (Old Aged Pooches!) Many people can be put off by the fact that a dog may be entering its twilight years, but as 89 local adopters would agree, these older ladies and gents make just as wonderful companions as their younger models. Older dogs are often already fully housetrained and tend to be a lot calmer, making it easier to integrate into a new home. They are also often much more sociable with other dogs and familiar with meeting new people and exploring the wider world. Let’s hope that 2023 brings plenty more homes for these lovely older pooches, like 10-year-old Patterdale Terrier, Billy, who is still waiting to find his special someone. Photo: Dogs Trust
4. Dexter was the oldest resident of Dogs Trust Leeds to be adopted in 2022 at the grand old age of 15
The oldest dog to be adopted from Dogs Trust Leeds was 15-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Dexter. Sadly, his owner passed away but by being a Canine Care Card holder, Dexter was quickly and easily handed over to the centre. He spent a couple of weeks being cared for by a foster carer, so he could retain his home comforts. He was adopted soon after and has settled well in his new home. Photo: Dogs Trust
5. Foster carers like Christine have helped Dogs Trust's fostering scheme to rehome 158 dogs in 2022
The rehoming centre has expanded their network of foster carers this year and as a result the Home from Home fostering scheme has helped to rehome 158 dogs in 2022! Dedicated volunteer foster carers, like Christine Drysdale pictured with stray Terrier puppy, Barry, earlier this year, are vital in helping dogs who need a little extra TLC. Often older, or with medical conditions, these dogs would find kennel life a real struggle but by placing them in a more familiar home environment, the entire process is made much easier for them. Dogs Trust provides full support throughout the dogs stay and will even supply all the food, bedding and medication required. If you might be interested in signing up to become a Foster Carer for a dog in need then simply email [email protected] to find out more. Photo: Dogs Trust
6. Lurchers, like Jack here, were one of the most popular breeds to be adopted from Dogs Trust Leeds in 2022
Dogs Trust Leeds have cared for and rehomed all kinds of breeds over the years with the ‘Crossbreed’ being the most common. Lurchers came in at number two accounting for 8.5% of all dogs adopted in 2022! This is likely due to the sweet and gentle nature of the breed. Lovely Lurchers, like Jack pictured, are well known for their loving and affectionate personality. Coupled with their playful character they really do make wonderful family pets. Let’s hope that the gorgeous long boys and girls still waiting to find their forever homes get lucky in 2023. Photo: Dogs Trust