Dogs are struggling to secure new homes as rescue workers report a ‘slump’ in adoptions

Exclusive:

Hughie, Barney and Ruth have been struggling to find a new home since being accepted into the Senior Staffy Club – they would make the perfect pets for the right owners

They’ve been pushed to the bottom of the placement pile through no fault of their own – and can spend years waiting for someone to adopt them.

The Senior Staffy Club in Stoke-on-Trent has been overrun by aging Staffordshire Bull Terriers who are consistently overlooked by potential owners.

Julia Kaminski, from the Senior Staffy Club, told The Mirror: “We currently have three beautiful staffies at our Stoke kennel which, despite their magnificence, we are finding it difficult to accommodate.

“Hughie, Barney and Ruth have all been waiting for a while that the dog market seems to have lost ground.

Sign up for our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.

“At the Senior Staffy Club, senior staffies don’t usually have to wait forever like some general dog rescues.

“The charity has a niche market of people who love their older Staffies for their affectionate nature and the fact that they are easy going and don’t require a lot of training like their fellow puppies or too much training like the juniors.”

Claiming “all rescuers are reporting a market slump,” the charity has issued a desperate request to help house its longest-staying residents.

“If you’re looking for a gentle new friend and companion to snuggle up on the sofa with or enjoy some nice walks with now that summer is almost here, look no further than Stoke Kennels of the Senior Staffy Club right where Hughie, Barney and Ruth are waiting to meet you,” she added.

Hughie

Hughie was sent to the shelter after his owner sadly passed away – but was soon rescued by the Senior Staffy Club.

Julia said: “Hughie is a very kind, loving seven-year-old boy who loves spending time with people.

“He can be very lively when he sees his walker friends in kennels and can jump very high.

“Hughie enjoys playing with his toys and playing in our paddock and he loves his treats. But he loves to cuddle best.”

Hughie, who has spent some time in foster care, is fully housebroken and able to sleep through the night on his own.

His foster parents said: “He loves snuggling on the sofa, chewing on treats and is obsessed with food.

“He likes to be challenged and would benefit from having an adult around most of the time. He likes puzzles and games that stimulate him.

“He loves long walks and can easily go an hour without tiring, so he needs an active owner. He likes to visit new places and can’t wait to explore them.

“Hughie can walk past other dogs without responding if given space. He’s not a fan of dogs (off or on a leash) coming to say hello with their faces, so he needs to be given space from other dogs.

“Hughie is a very smart dog and would benefit from activities that keep his brain active, such as B. puzzle toys, learning new tricks and smell exercises.

“He can’t live with other dogs, cats or little furry friends.”

Barney

Six-year-old Barney was sold on Gumtree and spent two weeks in his new home before being sent to the rescue.

He was then promoted to the Senior Staffy Club where he has shown his cute personality.

“He was very timid and shy when he arrived, but he’s settled in and has become a friendly boy who loves to get on your knee,” Julia said.

“He can still be very nervous around men and takes time to get comfortable in their company.

“Barney has a lot of energy and enjoys walking and exploring. He also likes to run around our paddock and play with his toys.

“He can walk past other dogs without reacting unless they react to him – then he barks back.

“Barney has been a very good boy at the vet recently, despite being a male vet. During his blood work, he gave the vet techs a lot of kisses.

“Barney would like a home where someone is home most of the time.”

Ruth

Like Hughie, Ruth also arrived at the Senior Staffy Club after her owner sadly passed away.

Julia said: “She is a very friendly girl who enjoys making a fuss of everyone in the kennel.

“She also loves to go for walks and explore her surroundings.

“She can get very excited at times and gag a bit or occasionally try to hunchback, but she’s easy to stop.

“Ruth walks well on a leash and doesn’t pull. Due to her arthritis we are currently limiting walks to a maximum of 30 minutes.

“She may bark when she sees other dogs, even more so when they react to her first.”

If you are interested in adopting Hughie, Barney or Ruth or any other dogs into the Senior Staffy Club, come visit them website.

Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.