Lonely hounds and moggies at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are using their Advent calendars to help them find new homes in the countdown to Christmas.

A number of the animal charity’s long-stay festive felines and canines have hung their Advent calendars on the side of their kennels and pens to show visitors how long they have been counting down the days for a new home.

The furry residents received the festive calendars from Battersea staff, who hope they will draw attention to dogs and cats that have been patiently waiting longer than the average length of stay in the charity’s rescue centres.

Rob Young, Battersea’s head of dog rehoming, said: "Our dogs and cats are just as excited about Christmas as people are, but what would make it extra special for them this year would be to spend it with a new family in a permanent home.

"Dogs stay at Battersea for an average of 35 days and cats spend on average around 27 days looking for new homes.

"So we gave Advent calendars to those dogs and cats that have been waiting longer than they should have.

"This way we hope visitors will really spare the time to consider giving them homes."

Battersea cares for thousands of dogs and cats each year with the help of over 1,000 volunteers, who exercise, socialise and care for the animals.

Last year, Battersea cared for 5,880 dogs and 2,760 cats across three centres in London, Brands Hatch and Old Windsor.

Four of the animals hoping for some good news this Christmas:

Wandsworth Times:

Name: Pete. 

Age: 4 years old.

Breed: Lurcher.

Stay: 161 days.

Would like for Christmas: Patient, calm and understanding owners who will give Pete a loving home he can relax in.

Nice or naughty list: Pete has not had the best start in life and has some insecurities, but has a sweet and gentle nature. Pete is Battersea’s most highly educated resident, and holds a degree thanks to a BBC Newsnight report earlier this year.

Wandsworth Times:

Name: Andre. 

Age: 4 years old. 

Breed: Domestic short hair. 

Stay: 35 days. 

Would like for Christmas: Patient and confident owners who will respect his space, but not let him rule the roost.

Nice or naughty list: Andre is a big, bad, bashful, beautiful beast of a boy who needs a loving home with people who can see the charms that lurk beneath that tough guy exterior.

Wandsworth Times:

Name: China. 

Age: 4 years old. 

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 

Stay: 205 days. 

Would like for Christmas: A home full of love that can give her all the cuddles she’s missed out on over the last seven months.

Nice or naughty list: China is a real sweetheart, she is fun, bubbly and boisterous. She also has a sensitive side and needs to be nurtured from time to time.

Wandsworth Times:

Name: Twinkle.

Age: 10 months old.

Breed: Chocolate Labrador.

Stay: 47 days.

Would like for Christmas: Owners who are able to take time and go slowly settling Twinkle into their home and lifestyle.

Nice or naughty list: Twinkle is a beautiful bubbly girl who is full of beans! She's had a sheltered start to life which means she'll need owners that are ready for a lot of ongoing support and training for the foreseeable future

 

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