DOG-loving volunteers across the county are opening their hearts to homeless hounds at Dogs Trust Evesham to give them Christmas in a temporary home whilst they wait to be adopted.

Dogs Trust’s Home From Home scheme launched in 2015 and finds foster homes for dogs that need a little extra TLC and time out from the hustle and bustle of the rehoming centre, such as young puppies, older dogs and those who have lived in a home all their life.

There are currently eight dogs living in foster homes over Christmas with 65 being rehomed from the scheme this year alone.

Foster carers, Jo and Simon Kite, live in Pershore with their teenage daughters and have fostered four dogs since she came on board in December 2016, including Greyhounds Lily and Flynn, German Shepherd puppy, Bud and currently, Bisto the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Mrs Kite said: “Being a foster carer is so rewarding; seeing the change in the dog as they settle into a home environment and their little personalities shine through is amazing.

"We love lavishing our attention on them and taking them into our home whilst they wait to be adopted. We enjoy lots of walks around Croome Park so being a foster carer is also great for our fitness too! This Christmas were looking forward to celebrating the festivities with Bisto and spoiling him with lots of toys and tasty treats.”

Other foster dogs looking for a home:

Nate

Age: 5

Breed: Greyhound

Nate will be spending Christmas with Lisa and Richard Castle from Mickleton. He is a typical ex-racing Greyhound - he loves to sleep, but he'll come to life if there's a chance for a good sprint around! He is a sociable chap and enjoys the company of other larger dogs. He could live with older children aged 14 and above and needs new owners to help him settle into his new environment as he has spent most of his life as a racing Greyhound so isn’t used to home life.

Beanie

Age: 11 months

Breed: Springer Spaniel

Beanie will be spending Christmas with Robert, Heather and Abi Redman in Bishampton. She is a lively girl who is looking for a home with a family who can continue with her training and offer her plenty of exercise to burn off her energy. She could live with other dogs and children over the age of 14.

Cecil

Age: 7

Breed: Greyhound

Ex-racing Greyhound Cecil will be snoozing his way through the festive period with Alistair and Steph Clark. Cecil is a shy lad who has hung up his racing shoes and is looking for a quiet home in his retirement. He loves food so this will be a good way to start the bonding process and allow his sweet, loving character to shine through. Cecil is looking for a quiet home with patient owners who will be around for most of the day but give him the time and space he needs to settle in. He needs an adult only home with no other pets.

Sarah Galvin, co-ordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: “Our foster scheme means some of the dogs who have found themselves in our care can continue to enjoy the home comforts which come as part of a loving family.

"Our team of volunteer foster carers are amazing and allow us to look after even more dogs, every dog in foster care frees up a kennel for another dog in need.

"We believe a dog is for life and our fantastic foster carers really do show our dogs the love behind this statement; encouraging them to reach their full potential and giving them a safe and loving environment to enjoy whilst they wait for their new families.

“For anyone who is a dog lover but dog-less and who wants a four-legged friend in their life but can’t commit to having a dog long-term, fostering could be the ideal solution.

“Dogs Trust covers all fees and it is a fantastic way to help us do as much as we possibly can for dogs in the region that have found themselves without a home to call their own.”

To foster a dog from Dogs Trust Evesham, contact Sarah Galvin on 01386 835840 or e-mail her at hfh.evesham@dogstrust.org.uk.

To find out more go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/fostering