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IF your kids are nagging you for a puppy, The Sun and the RSPCA are imploring you to consider adoption before you you click on an online ad.

We have eight adorable puppies and dogs to introduce to and every one needs a safe and loving home.

RSPCA rescue dogs
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These adorable RSPCA rescue dogs are eager to find a loving home - can YOU help them?

Tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned across the UK each year after being neglected and abused.

There's a long list of reasons why dogs end up with the RSPCA - everything from poverty and human sickness to the puppy trade churning out litters of "designer dogs".

Then, there's the black market, in which dogs are often smuggled in from overseas.

It's estimated that 200 poorly puppies are ­trafficked into the UK by Eastern European gangs every day.

Patch the gentle giant
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Chester, a three-month old Chihuahua puppy was born at an RSPCA animal centre after his pregnant mother was rescued from a small flat in Surrey where 40 dogs had been kept. Happily, he's now found a loving new home. Watch his story in the video above.Credit: RSPCA

The pups usually haven't been vaccinated or kept healthy, yet can still fetch from a few hundred to a couple of thousand of pounds per sale, depending on the breed.

This dark side of the puppy industry is believed to be worth £100million a year and the government is cracking down on rogue breeders and sellers this autumn.

For example, new rules are on the way that will include a requirement for sellers to be licensed and puppies not to be sold if their mother isn't present.

But for now, it can be very hard to distinguish whether a pup found for sale on internet comes from a legitimate breeder, according to the RSPCA, so why risk it?

Rehoming a dog from the charity is a great way of ensuring you'll be providing a loving home for a dog that really needs one, while not fuelling the dark side of the puppy trade.

Last year, the RSPCA rehomed 8,893 dogs, who were rescued from sorry, sometimes horrific, situations.

It nurses them back to health and tries to find them somewhere safe to live.

This week, The Sun is teaming up with the RSPCA to find new homes for the dogs currently in its care by profiling animals looking for new owners across England and Wales.

All of the adorable dogs below have been rescued from neglect and are longing to be given a safe, happy and loving home - can YOU help?


New kid on the block

Name: Harley
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 12 weeks
Homeless for: 1 week
RSPCA Centre: Leybourne Animal Centre, Kent, 0300 123 0751

Patch the gentle giant
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Little Harley had a rough start to life and arrived at the RSPCA covered in fleas. But now they're gone and he's ready to find a new a familyCredit: RSPCA

Cute and bouncy puppy Harley was brought into RSPCA care by the inspector due to welfare concerns.

He was infested with fleas when he arrived and had a small bald patch on his back from scratching them but after some TLC and treatment he is now ready to find his forever home.

He would suit a family home and could live with children and other animals as he is a very sociable chap.

He would need someone to be around a lot during the day to help house train him and socialise him even more.

Little Harley will make a perfect family pet and after going through a tough time at such a young age, he really does deserve a second chance at happiness.

Please call Leybourne Animal Centre for more info, he's so new he isn't on the RSPCA website yet.


Mischief man

Name: Bo
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 1
Homeless for: 11 months
RSPCA Centre: Blackpool, 01253 703000

Bo
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Bo is just one and has lived in RSPCA kennels for most of his life

Bo has been in RSPCA care since he was just a few weeks old and although he looks fully grown he is still a pup at only one year old.

He is very friendly and excitable and loves people.

He is quite strong on the lead but has been learning his manners. He is young and still has a bit to learn so some training will need to continue in his new home.

He’s a little unsure around other dogs so would be best as the only dog in his new home.

He’s very mischievous and would like an active owner who can keep up with him and keep him stimulated by taking him on long walks, playing lots of games with him and teaching him new things. 

He's a medium-size dog who needs at least an hour of exercise a day.


The twins

Name: Jett & Layla
Breed: Alaskan Malamutes
Age: 4
Homeless for: 6 months
RSPCA Centre: Brent Knoll, Somerset, 01278 782671

Patch the gentle giant
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Twins Jett and Layla are very close wolf-like dogs that need to homed together -  a big garden would be greatCredit: RSPCA

Jett and Layla were collected by an RSPCA inspector after a member of public raised concerns about their welfare.
They are extremely close so staff want to find them a home together.

They have a quirky relationship - a bit like an old married couple - and Layla has a lot to say for herself while Jett lets her get on with it.

Layla is very affectionate and likes to steal the limelight at any opportunity whereas Jett will take whatever attention he can get, when he can get it.

They love having a run around together but are also happy to settle down for a stroke and all-important grooming.

They’d like a home with no other pets and would like new owners who can continue their training and gives them time to bond with them.

Malamutes as a breed regard everyone they meet as their friends. If you're looking for a watchdog, this is not the breed for you.

A Malamute's size might scare off an intruder, but that's about the only protection you'll get from them.

They do best in situations in which they have plenty of room and opportunities to exercise so they don't become bored and restless.

The twins will give you years of enjoyment as active playmates and companions who keep their puppy energy well into adult life.

 

Three expert tips for choosing the right dog

We asked RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens for her advice for choosing the right dog and settling them into your home. You can also listen to what she has to say in the video.

1. How to choose the right dog

Every dog and every family is different. You might have an idea of which dog you want but speak to them and the RSPCA's friendly and informative staff will help you find the best match based on your family, lifestyle and living space.

2. Settling in

Just like us, dogs can get scared or worried sometimes, especially in an unfamiliar new environment.
Designate a ‘safe haven’ space in your house with a comfy bed so they can go to rest if things get too much without being disturbed.

If they had a favourite toy or blanket at the RSPCA centre, put that in there so they have at least one thing that smells familiar.

Establishing a routine is key. Walks, feeding and bedtimes should be around the same time each day so they will know what to expect and build a trusting relationship with you.

Take your time. Going from an RSPCA kennel to a new home can be overwhelming so just be patient, let them settle into the new home first and get to know you and the immediate family. Then gradually introduce them to new people and environments.

3. Keep them happy and healthy

Dogs are intelligent and inquisitive so along with lots of exercise they’ll need toys and training activities to keep them entertained.

They communicate through body language so owners need to learn to recognise what their signals mean so you can protect them from things that make them anxious or sad.

 

Follow these tips and you'll enjoy life with your new rescue dog and know that you’re giving a dog that may never have had a happy home a second chance at a happy life.

Tickle monster

Name: Lilly
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 7
Homeless for: 9 Months
RSPCA Centre: Blackpool, 01253 703000

Billy has trouble seeing but his other senses are excellent
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Lilly is an happy and energetic dog that will thrive in the security of a nurturing homeCredit: RSPCA

Lilly was taken into RSPCA care after her owner was made homeless and could no longer look after her.

Like a lot of dogs who find themselves at the RSPCA, she has struggled to adapt to kennel life and is missing life as a beloved pet.

Staff are keen to get her into a home as quickly as possible.

She spends lots of time out walking with volunteers and absolutely adores people. Lilly thoroughly enjoys her walks and loves to investigate everything; she is currently walked on harness and Gencon as she can be strong on lead so would suit a strong, active owner.

She’s eager to please and will do anything for a stroke and a tummy tickle.

She can be unsure of other dogs but enjoys walking with those she is familiar with. That said, she would be better suited to a single-dog household where she can have all the attention

She has a lovely, gentle nature but can get very excited so would be best in a family home with older children from around age 12.

The staff caring for her say she is a gorgeous girl with so much potential and will make a superb addition to a family.


The gentleman

Name: Chico
Breed: Saluki crossbreed
Age: 2
Homeless for: 8 Months
RSPCA Centre: Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre, Colwyn Bay, 0300 123 0745

Billy has trouble seeing but his other senses are excellent
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Two-year-old Chico arrived at the RSPCA with a broken leg. Back to fighting fitness, he's looking for a lovely lady to take him inCredit: RSPCA

Chico is a regal gent looking for his queen to guide him into his new life. Sadly, he came into care with a broken leg which has now fully healed.

His previous history means he also prefers women to men but has formed good relationships with both.

He has a gentle disposition and forms strong bonds with people.

While he's only two years old, as a very young pup, he was not given the opportunity to experience the life and social skills he needed so he can sometimes become worried when he encounters busy or new experiences.

His new owner will need to be prepared to spend time introducing him to new things and encourage him to not see them as a threat.

Salukis are generally gentle and curious dogs and this brown and fawn pooch is just the same, with so much love to give.

 

How to adopt a rescue dog from the RSPCA

If our rescue dogs have melted your heart, here's how you can adopt one.

  1. Start by checking out the RSPCA website to see what kind of dog you’re looking for and where your nearest centre is.
  2. Visit your local centre and speak to staff about the sort of dog you’re after and your home environment and lifestyle.
  3. Fill in an adoption form or have a short, informal adoption interview with a member of staff.
  4. Once you’ve found your perfect match and reserved your new dog, a volunteer will visit you at home to make sure you’re ready to welcome your new pet.
  5. Once you're approved, you can collect your dog from the centre and sign all the paperwork.

There will be an adoption fee to pay that goes towards helping the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming more dogs.

These fees vary by centre from around £135 for adult dogs to £200 for puppies under six months.

All RSPCA dogs are spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. And they come with free for the first six weeks.

Laid back lady

Name: Daisy
Breed: British bulldog
Age: 7

Homeless for: 5 months 
RSPCA Centre: Ashley Heath, Hampshire, 0300 123 0749

Bollo is an impressive large dog with a stateley stance
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Once Daisy gets a safe haven and some reassuring new owners she will be a loyal and lovable companionCredit: RSPCA

Daisy arrived at the RSPCA when she became extremely unsettled and unhappy after a family member moved out of the home.

Daisy is an affectionate and friendly girl once she gets to know you but can be a little worried when meeting new people.

She’d like a quiet, adult-only home where her new owners can continue to help her build in confidence.

She’s very food orientated and absolutely loves her treats, which makes training much easier.

However, her favourite thing of all is playing in a ball pit.

The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition and only needs 20 to 4o minutes of exercise a day.

The breed usually have laid back temperaments, which makes them excellent companions, even in smaller households.


Beautiful Ben

Name: Benjamin
Breed: Boxer Crossbreed
Age: 10
Homeless for: 6 months
RSPCA Centre: Newport Animal Centre, 0300 123 0744

Harley the lovable Staffie has a brilliant smile
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Boxer crossbreed Benjamin was taken in by the RSPCA after his owner sadly died. He's looking for someone special to spend his life withCredit: RSPCA

Older chap Benjamin has a lovely temperament and loves cuddles and fuss once he gets to know someone.

He arrived at the RSPCA in south Wales in January when his owner sadly passed away so life in the kennels was a bit of a shock for him.

However, he enjoys socialising with other dogs and is very fond of being groomed.

He could potentially live with another dog but would be looking for a cat-free home and would be suited to a home where he has company for the majority of the time.
Benjamin could also be rehomed to a family with older children.

Unfortunately, as an older boy he does have some health issues but it doesn’t show as Benjamin is still full of beans.

RSPCA top tips for adopting a rescue dog: Choosing the right dog for you and keeping it healthy and happy
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