No one should spend Christmas alone - and that includes animals.
However, the reality is that thousands of furry friends in rescue centres up and down the country will be without a loving family this Christmas.
As the famous Dogs Trust saying goes, “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas” - but this festive season could well be the perfect time to welcome a dog into your family ahead of 2025.
Adopting a dog is a great way to go about finding a pooch and is a great way to make a huge difference to the life of your new animal.
There are loads of different rescue centres across the UK which do amazing work on a daily basis, including Doggy Dens UK Rescue here in Nottinghamshire.
Based in Cuckney, near Mansfield, the charity cares for dozens of dogs in need of loving homes.
Many of them have been rescued from illegal dog dumps in Macedonia.
We’ve picked out 11 adorable dogs from Doggy Dens UK Rescue that are in search of their forever homes.
You can find out more about the charity and its adoption process by pressing here.
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1. Luna
Six-month-old medium mixed breed. Lovely Luna is indeed a charming little lady, with her beautiful blonde fur, endearing floppy ears, and a distinctive tail tipped in white, as if dipped in paint. Her medium stature is just right for snuggling on the sofa and providing cuddles in the evening. Luna, discovered as a stray on the streets of Macedonia without any siblings or mother nearby, was taken in to ensure she could await a permanent home in comfort. Fortunately, she secured a spot in a foster home, providing her with valuable household experience and a preview of what to expect in a forever home. Thanks to her fosterer’s hard work she is now completely house trained, well-behaved indoors, walks gracefully on lead, and is comfortable traveling by car. | Doggy Dens UK Rescue Photo: Doggy Dens UK Rescue
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2. Piccolo
Five-year-old small mixed breed. Piccolo is a charming little boy who perfectly captures the essence of “small but mighty!” He’s in search of a forever home where he can snuggle on the couch and be someone’s treasured companion. This delightful lad boasts a coat of mostly black fur, distinguished by a white stripe that runs down his lengthy neck to his chest. Last winter, he was discovered on the streets, nestled under a leafy blanket to stave off the cold. The sight was too heart-wrenching to ignore, so he was promptly scooped up and taken to a foster home, where he’s now awaiting a permanent place to call his own. | Doggy Dens UK Rescue Photo: Doggy Dens UK Rescue
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3. Maple
One-year-old medium/large mixed breed. Maple is a charming lady seeking a new home after a tough beginning. She’s truly delightful, a slender girl with long, fluffy puppy fur. Her light brown coat is complemented by a darker fur around her , which accentuates her stunning caramel gaze. Now that Maple has reached 6 months of age, she is ready to travel and eager to become part of a caring family. She is of medium size at present, but considering her mother’s size, along with her long legs and big paws, we expect her to grow into a large dog, likely similar in size to a Retriever or Shepherd. | Doggy Dens UK Rescue Photo: Doggy Dens UK Rescue
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4. Opal
One-year-old medium mixed breed. Opal is a delightful gem, winning hearts at the kennels with her cheerful disposition and affectionate nature. Her distinctive coat of blonde and white fur glistens with a silvery sheen under certain lighting, which inspired her name. Currently petite, her large ears suggest she’ll grow into a fine medium size. She boasts a somewhat sturdier build compared to the puppies she was discovered alongside, making her an ideal lap dog. | Doggy Dens UK Rescue Photo: Doggy Dens UK Rescue