A dog rescue centre is encouraging people to rethink having a bigger animal as adoptions come to a 'near standstill'.
Maxi's Mates, in Dunsdale, which is a registered centre for rehoming retired greyhounds, is almost full.
Trustee Jane Galliford said while there was demand for smaller dogs, the number of people coming forward to adopt bigger ones has declined.
Jane, who set up Maxi’s Mates in 2012 alongside Michelle Cooper to raise, is encouraging anyone who is thinking about adopting a dog to reconsider what breeds they will consider as smaller dogs remain popular.
Read more: North East dog rescue charity warns it is close to full as adoptions 'at a standstill'
She said: “When we have a small dog then we can usually rehome them. But the kennels are full because medium and large dogs are overlooked. They are not getting rehomed. Strays are not getting claimed. We have long lists of dogs waiting to come in.
“We want people to reconsider what type of dog suits them and to think about other breeds.
“A rescue dog is a rescue dog and it is rewarding. Sometimes people want small dogs but they can be so energetic and hyperactive. Walking with a lovely, graceful greyhound by your side is a pleasure. They are such lovely dogs and they sleep for most of the day.”
Here are some of the dogs who need a new home.
Lily
Lily, a female greyhound is looking for her first real home after retiring from Greyhound Racing.
She is around one-and-a-half-years-old and she has always lived in kennels so some understanding of a transition from one to a home is needed.
Described as a "lovely, gentle dog", she needs a loving home.
Jane thinks she is suitable for most homes and ideal with children. She is good with dogs of a similar breed but not with small dogs, cats or small furry animals.
She is suitable for most people to walk. She doesn’t pull, react to other dogs and is very calm.
Charlie
Charlie is a six-year-old male looking for another home through no fault of his own.
Described as friendly, good with other dogs and as being ok with a family with older children, he is good on walks and can jump quite high.
He also has a lot of energy so he will need someone who can give him lots of exercise, walking and playing in the garden.
Tilly
Tilly is a female bully/corso cross who is looking for a new homes.
She is around four years old. She is said to be good with older kids but needs to be the only pet in the home.
Tilly loves playing with her toys and she’s lovely in the home. However she is very strong so she will need someone that is able to walk her.
Batsy
Batsy is a male greyhound is looking for his first real home after retiring from racing.
He is around 4 years old and he has always lived in kennels so some understanding of a transition from one to a home is needed.
Described as "lovely and gentle", he needs a loving home and could live with a family with children.
He needs to be the only pet in the house. He is good with other dogs of a similar breed but wouldn’t be good with small dogs, cats or small furry animals.
He is suitable for most people to walk. He is a little stronger than the females to walk but still walks nicely by your side. He can react to other dogs when out walking if they get too close.
Benny
Benny is a male Patterdale found in Danby's Beacon as a stray on May 18.
He is three-years-old and is not good with other dogs so needs to live in a pet free home.
He will be ok with older children.
Bailey
Bailey came in as a stray found in Grangetown on May 18.
The male German Shepherd is 10-years-old but still loves to play with a ball in the paddock.
He is not good with other dogs and needs to live in a pet free child free home.
He is strong on the lead and does pull so he needs someone to be able to handle him.
Spangles
Spangles is a male greyhound is looking for his first real home after retiring from racing.
He is around three years old and he has always lived in kennels so some understanding of a transition from one to a home is needed.
He needs a loving home and is suitable for a family with a children.
Described as "lovely and gentre", he is good with other dogs of a similar breed but he wouldn’t be good with small dogs, cats or small furry animals.
He is suitable for most people to walk. He is a little stronger than the females to walk but still walks nicely by your side. He doesn’t react to other dogs when out walking.
Lola
Lola is a female greyhound is looking for her first real home after retiring from racing.
She is around two-and-a-half-years-old and she has always lived in kennels so some understanding of a transition from one to a home is needed.
She is a lovely, gentle dog and is suitable for most homes, espcially one with a garden for her to play in.
She would be ideal with children and is good with other dogs of a similar breed but she wouldn’t be good with small dogs, cats or small furry animals.
She is suitable for most people but she can be reluctant to walk. She prefers paddocks where after she’s had a little run she can cuddle into you on the bench.
Bull
Bull is five and looking for his first real home after retiring from racing.
He has always lived in kennels so some understanding of a transition from one to a home is needed.
He is suitable for a family with children but needs to be the only pet in the home, as he does not like to share his bed with another dog.
He is good with other dogs of a similar breed when he’s out walking but he wouldn’t be good with small dogs, cats or small furry animals.
He is suitable for most people to walk. He is a little stronger than the females to walk but still walks nicely by your side. He doesn’t react to other dogs when out walking.
Tigger
Tigger is six and needs a new home.
She is good with some dogs,but not good with cats or small furries.
Tigger needs a quieter home without children and much prefers females to males.
She will make a fabulous companion for the right person.
George
George, a male lurcher was found as a stray in Normanby in April.
He seems good with other dogs and lovely with people.
Bea
Bea, a two-year-old female is looking for a new home.
Described as a "sweet girl" she has just retired from racing and some understanding is needed while she adjusts to a home environment as she’s always lived in kennels.
She is good with other dogs, kids but not good with cats or small furries.
Trigger
Trigger, a male lurcher, came in as a stray found in Grangetown in January.
He is microchipped and this is his real name although the address is not up to date.
Trigger is very strong on the lead and needs a home without other pets or young children.
Poppy
Poppy is nine and needs an understanding and loving home as she does have some additional needs. She is blind and seems to be deaf too.
She would be ideal with someone who is home most of the time and can give her the extra attention needed.
She is said to be good with other dogs but has never lived with them. She would be better in a child free pet free home.
She has a very calm nature
Monty
Monty is looking for a new home as his owner has sadly passed away.
- Anyone interested in adopting a dog will have to undergo a home check.
- Anyone who has been through the home check process and there is a dog suitable for them, will be invited to kennels by appointment only.
- You can text Maxi’s Mates with your details to 07507104636.
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