We all know the saying 'a dog is for life, not just for Christmas' and while that's an important message to share, there are still plenty of pets still looking for a home before the end of the year.

The Stray Ferret has contacted rescues in the district to highlight some of the dogs still looking for their forever homes in 2024.

The following four-legged candidates are from RSPCA York, Harrogate and District Branch and Yorkshire Rescue. Many have sadly been waiting in the kennels or in foster homes for a long period of time - and all are deserving of a chance at a loving family. 

While by no means exhaustive - visit the RSPCA and Yorkshire Rescue's websites for more animals up for adoption - we've found six dogs who need an extra-festive spotlight shone on them this December.

Lottie

Age: Seven years old.

Sex: Female.

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Shar-pei Cross.

Lottie’s story: A loyal and loving dog, Lottie was sadly returned to the rescue after five years, due to a change in her family’s circumstances.

She’s now being fostered while waiting to meet her forever family. She’s a lovely, well-mannered dog, responsive and trained to walk nicely on lead.

Lottie loves nothing more than getting out and about to play and explore – followed by a cuddle and a good nap.

While she’s previously lived with children and other dogs, the rescue feel she’d be better placed as an only dog in a child-free home, due to how much disruption she’s had in her life.

Find out more about Lottie here.

Jamie

Age: Nearly two years old.

Sex: Female.

Breed: Large crossbreed.

Jamie’s story: Poor Jamie is a long-term resident at the RSPCA, after being left tied to the centre’s gates in 2023.

Despite a traumatic start in life, she’s overcome many obstacles to become a sweet-natured and fun-loving dog, who – once she’s built trust – really comes out of her shell.

Thanks to continued training, Jamie is now sociable with most dogs and may be able to live with another dog, after a successful introduction.

Find out more about Jamie here.

Obi

Age: Two years old.

Sex: Male.

Breed: Labrador.

Obi’s story: Rambunctious and loveable Obi has so much potential – he just needs the right family to help him flourish.

He needs an active, experienced owner who can focus on his training and behaviour and help him make the right decisions.

Obi has lived with another dog but can be reactive when he’s out on walks and encounters a dog he doesn’t know. He can also get anxious if there’s a lot going on in his house, so would need to be in an adult-only household.

Find out more about Obi here.

Dizzy

Age: Unspecified.

Sex: Female.

Breed: German Shepherd. 

Dizzy’s story: Dizzy was rescued from a horrendous living situation – malnourished, with a serious ear condition and kept in a cramped cage in the back of van.

It transpired that sweet Dizzy is actually deaf, so she’s in the process of learning sign language. That hasn’t held her back though, and she’s a clever, friendly and affectionate dog.

She would be best suited to home where she’s the only dog but could live with children over 13 if they’re aware she needs her space at times.

Find out more about Dizzy here.

Alfie

Age: Between 12 – 18 months old.

Sex: Male.

Breed: Lurcher Cross. 

Alfie’s story: Alfie was brought to the Yorkshire Rescue centre as a very skinny stray, so the team has very little information on his past.

So far, he’s proven to be a gentle, quiet, and good-natured boy who isn’t reactive to other dogs – he’s just a little frightened still.

The ideal adopters will be able to see his full potential, and give him the time, patience, and training he needs to feel safe and flourish in his forever home.

Find out more about Alfie here.

Gucci

Age: Three years old.

Sex: Female.

Breed: American Bulldog Cross.

Gucci’s story: Found in an emaciated state and nursed back to health, Gucci is now ready to meet her new forever family.

She may be missing most of her tail, after sadly having to have it amputated, but that doesn’t stop her from wagging it – she has a real zest for life. 

This fun-loving, friendly girl could live with children over 14 years old, and a compatible companion dog following a successful introduction. Gucci can occasionally forget her size in her excitement, so adopters would need to work with her to be calmer around older or smaller dogs.

Find out more about Gucci here.