The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of rescue animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month Angel, Catherine, Osma and Stella are in need of a home. 

Angel  

Age: Three and a half

Angel’s Story: Angel came into Miss Mollies kennels over a year ago. Sadly, Miss Mollies no longer have kennels and Angel was transported to another kennels where she has remained for several months now. The main reason Angel is in kennels is because the smaller dogs go into foster homes but Angel, as with all larger breed dogs, needs higher fencing and so they’ve have been unable to find her an ideal foster home. One of the team has worked with Angel and is able to stroke her and give her tummy rubs and is non aggressive.

Temperament: Angel is a nervous dog but Miss Mollies hopes by finding a dedicated owner who is happy to spend time getting to know her before going home she can become a great companion for someone.

Ideal home: Angel will need a home with high fences and someone who is happy to visit her multiple times at the kennel before taking ehr home.

If you have the time and space in your heart for Angel, please contact Miss Mollies Rescue.

Catherine and Osma

Age: Three years old

Catherine and Osma’s story: The pair of black cats, affectionately called panthers, were handed into Harrogate Cat Rescue and have since had all the necessary veterinary treatment and are ready for a new home.

Temperament: These two girls are gentle, affectionate and friendly.

Ideal home: The pair need to live in an older children/adult family where they will be the only cats.

If you’re interested in this sweet pair get in touch with Harrogate Cat Rescue.

Stella

Age: Nine-years-old

Stella’s Story: Stella is a really sweet and friendly girl who is now looking for a loving forever home, she is a happy girl who is playful and lively and just loves to be around people.

Temperament: Stella is a little pocket rocket who loves to live life to the max, she will need adopters who will take her on nice walks and adventures. Stella will jump on your lap for cuddles and will stay there for as long as possible enjoying as much fuss as she can get, Stella is a happy little girl who will bring so much joy to the family lucky enough to adopt her.

Ideal home: Stella needs a home where she will not be left on her own for long periods, she is the only pet and and all children are aged 10 years and over.

To give Stella her forever home, click here.

Did you read about Cheeky Pekey a 13 year old Chihuahua who found a loving home after she featured on The Stray Pets Rescue Club?

Thank you to all those who read this monthly appeal and decide to care for one of the lovely animals we feature.  

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of rescue animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Batman, Lux, and Cheeky Pekey are three furry friends looking for someone to adopt them.

Batman

Age: 2 to 5 years

Batman’s Story: Batman is a lovely four-year-old Labrador, ready to find his forever home. He is very affectionate and lots of fun to be around. He loves his toys and has a lot of potential.

Temperament: Batman is very strong on the lead, so he is looking for owners who will be able to keep up with him! As well as being able to hold onto him, he’d really benefit from owners that can teach him how to walk on a loose lead using positive, reward-based training (the Dogs Trust can help you with this).

Ideal home: Batman has a history of guarding his blankets and bones, so he needs owners who are prepared to manage this and follow a training plan. He can be homed with people aged 16 years and older. He is dog social, but he’d prefer to be the only pet. An enclosed garden would be really beneficial to help Batman along with his training.

If you want to take Batman on adventures, contact The Dogs Trust. 

Lux

Age: 10 Weeks

Lux’s Story: This little sweetheart arrived in rescue this week after her owners were unable to look after her. She clearly wasn’t well and was rushed to Crab Lane Vets, where she is being treated.

Temperament: Lux is a little poorly at the moment and is underweight. She needs lots of love and attention to get back on track so she can feel like herself again.

Ideal home: Lux needs a quiet home where she can recover and get her strength back. Somewhere where routines can be followed so she gets the love and attention she deserves.

Got a heart big enough to look after little Lux? Get in touch with Harrogate Cat Rescue. 

Cheeky Pekey

Age: Cheeky is an elderly dog.

Cheeky’s Story: This is Cheeky Pekey, one of four tiny little ones rescued from Romania and now looking for long-term foster care.

Temperament: Cheeky lives up to her name, she is the most courageous, wilful character, very clever,  full of life and twice as naughty! Although Cheeky is an older dog, you really wouldn’t think so.

Ideal home: Cheeky Pekey could live with another resident small dog, as she loves to cuddle another dog, but since she is tiny, it would need to be a small, friendly companion. She could also live as an only dog with someone at home most of the day. Cheeky enjoys a carry–walk and loves to pad around the garden.

Who wouldn’t want this ball of personality to keep them company? Call Miss Millies Rescue to find out more about Cheeky Pekey.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Nala the dog, Machita the cat and furry rabbit friends Micro and Pocket need a home.

Nala

Age: 10 months

Nala’s Story: Nala is a very affectionate and loving dog once she knows you, but is very scared of new people and strangers.

Temperament:She is completely house trained and asks to go outside by standing by the door. She also knows basic commands such as sit, stay, wait and paw. Her recall and lead walking is generally pretty good unless she’s chasing something, though they will probably still require more work.

Ideal home:She is a beautiful dog who needs a loving, quiet home with no children or other dogs, and experienced people who are willing to work with her through some of her issues.

If you have the space in your heart for Nala, contact Miss Mollie’s Rescue. 

Machita

Age: 3 years old

Machita’s Story: Machita was unfortunately returned to the centre after being adopted as a kitten, this was no fault of her own. She is a very sweet girl who will make a fantastic addition to the family.

Temperament: She can be a little shy when meeting new people but it does not take her too long to get to know you and trust you. Machita is a playful cat who enjoys playing with her toys and interacting with her people, she misses being in a home environment.

Ideal home: Machita will need a nice quiet home where she can relax and enjoy life once again, we are looking for a home where she will be the only pet and any children will need to be aged 14 years and over.

Could you give Machita a forever home? Get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Micro and Pocket

Age: 8 weeks

Micro and Pocket’s Story: Micro and Pocket came to the centre via an inspector at only 2 days old, they were lovingly hand reared by Helen and are now ready to find their forever home.

Temperament: They are very sweet little girls who have beaten the odds and are happy and healthy and will make the most fantastic addition to the family.

Ideal home: Micro & Pocket will need to live in the house for the time being while they are still so young, inside accommodation will happily be discussed with adopters by our re homing team. Micro and Pocket will be homed together.

If you have space for these furry friends, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Will the rabbit, Jerry the dog and cats Link and Mystic need your help.

Will

 Age: 1

Will’s Story: Will is a sweet natured boy who came to us as his previous owner could no longer take care of him.

Temperament: Will is an active playful boy who really enjoys so many things, he likes to investigate new things, he likes being around people but most of all he likes veg time.

Ideal home: We are looking for adopters who will keep him entertained and who already have an existing spayed female rabbit who he can bond with and share the rest of his life with. We are looking for accommodation where the hutch is a minimum of 6ft with an attached run of a minimum 8ft.

If you could give Will a loving home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Jerry 

 Age: 14-15 months old

Temperament: He is a friendly dog with people, but can be unpredictable with other dogs. He is very lively and intelligent but has never been taught any manners.

Ideal home: He needs someone to spend a lot of time training him. He cannot be rehomed with children or any other animals, and will need a secure garden.

If you have the time to train Jerry, contact Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs. 

Link and Mystic

Ages: Six years old

Link and Mystic’s story: Mystic and Link came to the centre as their previous owner could no longer keep them. They are a very sweet and very bonded pair of cats who absolutely adore each other so we will be looking for a home where they will stay together.

Temperament: Both cats are very friendly and love a fuss, they love treat time and then love to snooze the day away together. Mystic and Link are super chilled out, they would love to be able to snuggle up on the sofa with you and keep you company while watching the TV or reading a book.

Ideal home: They need a nice quiet home which is adult only with no other pets. If you are looking for a pair of laid back cats to add to your family then Mystic and Link are the cats for you.

To give this loving, chilled out pair a home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Read more:

• Stray Pets Rescue Club: Hovis, Bertie and Gary need your help
• Stray Pets Rescue Club: could these adorable pooches find a home before Christmas?

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, in desperate need of a loving home. Could Olaf the rabbit, Monty the dog, or mother-and-daughter cats Gracie and Georgia find their new family with you? 

Gracie & Georgia 

Age: 9 and 6

Gracie & Georgia’s story: This mother and daughter came to Harrogate Cat Rescue after their owner of three years, who adored them, suddenly passed away. Before this, they were abused by their previous owner, including being burnt and thrown – which left them both severely traumatised.

Temperament: Georgia suffered the most abuse, so might be a little wary at first. Her mum, Gracie, is very affectionate and loves being fussed and groomed.

Ideal home: This pair are looking for a home where they can be together and relax again. Both are indoor cats, and have no knowledge of being outside.

To find out more about Gracie and Georgia and how you can help, contact Celia at Harrogate Cat Rescue on 07749 461042

Monty

Age: 8 months

Monty’s story: Monty is a Romanian rescue dog. He came to Miss Mollie’s Rescue when he was six months old, and lived with a 10 year old girl who he loved. Sadly their circumstances changed and he was returned to the rescue.

Temperament: Monty is good around other dogs and children, is lovely to walk, and loves having cuddles.

Ideal home: Monty is already house trained. He has bowed front legs (often called ‘Queen Ann Legs’), so may need trips to the vet; Miss Mollie’s would help with the costs.

If Monty could become part of your family, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue. 

Olaf

Age: 3 years 8 months

Olaf’s story: Olaf came to the RSPCA after he sadly lost his girlfriend and his previous owners were unable to keep him. He’s missing both his girlfriend and his home.

Temperament: Olaf is a sweet boy, looking for a new girlfriend. He is neutered and will need to be re-homed where there is an existing female already. Olaf also loves treat time and being hand-fed.

Ideal home: An adult only household with space to go outside and explore would be perfect for Olaf. His hutch needs to be at least 6 foot, with an attached run of at least 8 foot.

If you could help Olaf find love again, get in touch with the RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch. 

Read More:

• Stray Pets Rescue Club: cats Leah and Sox and Cynthia the dog need a loving home
• Stray Pets Rescue Club: the 8ft boa, and pair of bulldogs needing your help

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, in desperate need of a loving home. Could you help Jerry the Patterdale Cross, cats Mitchell, Webb & Lollipop, or rabbits Mojo & Mystery in their quest for a loving home? 

Jerry – Patterdale Cross

Age: 14-15 months

Jerry’s story: Jerry was left tied to a tree, and was handed to the dog warden after being found.

Temperament: Jerry is very friendly and also very lively. He can be a little unpredictable around other dogs.

Ideal home: Jerry will be a fantastic dog for someone who has time to spend training him. He needs a very secure garden, and a home without children or other pets.

If your family has space for Jerry, contact Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs. 

Mitchell, Webb & Lollipop – Domestic Short Haired

Age: 2.5 years & 1 year

Mitchell, Webb & Lollipop’s story: This trio came to the RSPCA as part of a multi-cat seizure, where their previous owner did not have enough time to spend with all the cats. They are very much bonded to one another, so need a special adopter who can give a home to all three.

Temperament: These three cats had been left extremely nervous of people. They have been in care for quite some time and have come on well, and although they are still very nervous when people are around, they are ready to start their new lives with a loving new family. Mitchell, Webb and Lollipop are very playful and active with their toys and each other – they will enjoy interacting with you for fuss and playtime once they get to know you.

Ideal home: They will find moving to a new home very strange, so adopters will need a spare room where they can be together to begin with. Once they’ve settled and gained confidence, they can begin to investigate the rest of the house. Adopters will need to be patient; Mitchell, Webb and Lollipop will need to be kept as house cats for a very long tie and may never have the confidence to go outside. They will need a quiet, adult-only home, but could possibly live with other cats.

If you could help Mitchell, Webb and Lollipop, visit RSPCA York, Harrogate and District. 

Mojo & Mystery – Rabbits

Age: 10 weeks

Mojo & Mystery’s story: This sweet pair were born at the RSPCA, after both mum and dad were no longer wanted by their previous owner.

Temperament: Mojo and Mystery are young, cheeky and playful little boys, who will make wonderful and entertaining family pets. They love treat time, and like being hand-fed.

Ideal home: Mojo and Mystery will need to live in a hutch which is a minimum of 6 feet, with an attached run of at least 8 feet. These boys will be happy to live indoors if given lots to do, and can live with secondary school aged children.

To provide a loving family home for Mojo and Mystery, visit RSPCA York, Harrogate and District. 

Read More: 

• Kim’s Canines: Holidays- fun for you, stressful for your dog
• Stray Pets Rescue Club: Ernie, Toby and Amber are looking for a loving home

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly pet profile of animals in desperate need of a loving home. Could Audrey, Florence or Bill find their forever family with you?

Bill

Age: 15

Bill’s story: Bill came to the RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch via an inspector. Sadly, Bill was found in pretty poor condition and was rushed straight to the vets where he received emergency treatment to save his life. Bill fought hard and pulled through to make a full recovery, and is now looking for the loving retirement home he deserves.

Temperament: Bill is very loving, friendly and gentle. Despite his age, Bill has lots of life in him. He loves small walks and enjoys every moment spent sniffing and saying hello to people.

Ideal home: Bill wants his happy ever after, with time to relax in the comfort of a warm loving home. He can be left alone for short periods of time, and would prefer not to live with a cat. Bill may be able to live with another dog and children over 11.

If you have a space on your sofa for Bill, visit RSPCA York, Harrogate and District.

Audrey

Age: 4

Audrey’s story: Audrey is a super sweet girl who was brought to Dogs Trust Leeds after being found straying.

Temperament: This greyhound loves being around people and enjoys plenty of gentle fuss. Audrey is fine around other similar dogs and would be able to have walking buddies once she’s been introduced to some doggy friends.

Ideal home: This sociable girl would need a secure garden to play in, and this will also help with her ongoing housetraining. She would also need patient owners who will let her get used to the new home environment, and would prefer to be the only household pet. Audrey can live with children over the age of 11.

To find out more about Audrey and the adoption process, visit Leeds Dogs Trust.

Florence

Age: approx. 3

Florence’s story: Florence came to Miss Mollie’s from a rescue in Romania, who had found her with her puppies. Miss Mollie’s have found lovely new homes for all the puppies, but Florence had to wait a little longer to come to Harrogate as she needed extra care before she could travel.

Temperament: When she got to Miss Mollie’s Rescue, she was very shy but kept wagging her tail, not sure what to make of the volunteers. She is still a little shy but is progressing well, and she is good with all the other dogs and is sharing a kennel.

Ideal home: Florence will need an adult home with people who have experience with dogs, and have the patience and love she needs.

If Florence could be the perfect fit in your home, visit Miss Mollie’s Rescue.

Read More: 

• Kim’s Canines: things to know when purchasing a puppy
• Stray Pets Rescue Club: Roman, Buddy and Billy want to find love this Valentine’s Day

This column is written for the Stray Ferret by Kimberley Metcalfe. Kimberley has an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Her company Pooches Galore is based in Harrogate and specialises in dog training and resolving canine behavioural problems.

We’ve all heard the saying “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas” and it is one I wholeheartedly believe in. As someone who did get their first-ever dog as a Christmas present after 13 years of begging, a well thought out Christmas present can bring many years of joy and a dog can be both for Christmas and for life.

For many, getting a puppy at any time of the year has taken a lot of forethought whether a Christmas present or not. My job as a trainer is to help you ensure that when your puppy comes home with you, there are many happy years ahead. I have two top tips for a happy life with your puppy:

Management

Management is my number one tip when you bring home a new puppy. If you don’t want them to eat your shoes… put them away! Want them to toilet outside? Watch them like a hawk. Don’t want your new sofa chewing? Shut the door. It is impossible for anyone to train their puppy for every eventuality, so to prevent unwanted behaviours we need to manage situations by setting things up before problems arise.

Training

Secondly you are going to have to invest in a significant amount of training. As a dog trainer, of course I am going to say this! You have to teach your puppy to live in a human world. They don’t know that they can’t toilet in the kitchen and they have to go outside. They don’t know that biting isn’t the best way to get you to engage with them. They don’t know how to walk on a lead. There is such a long list of things to teach them, so work out what is a priority for you.

We also want to train our dogs in a specific way, known as positive reinforcement. This means that we reward the behaviours we like so we see them more and more. Rewarding them for toileting outside, coming back when called, and walking nicely on a lead will encourage all these behaviours. What we don’t want to do is punish our puppies, as they don’t know they are doing something wrong; this will only break down the relationship between you and your new puppy.

My biggest tip for a long and happy life with your puppy is to ask for help from a qualified APDT dog trainer before your problems become too challenging for you. Whether that is someone with you from day one or someone you bring in when you have problems – it is what we are here for!

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly pet profile of animals in desperate need of a loving home. All Tasha, Rocco, and Billy want for Christmas is a forever home. 

Tasha, Akita

Age: 9

Tasha’s story: Tasha arrived at Dogs Trust Leeds in July 2020. She has arthritis, so potential adopters will need to be aware of the ongoing cost of continuing medication before making a commitment to adopt her.

Temperament: Tasha is a friendly dog who, despite her age, is still very playful, and who loves her toys and having lots of fuss and attention.

Ideal home: Tasha is looking for an adult-only home without visiting children, where she can be the only pet. Her ideal new owners will have a secure garden so she can play off lead and she’ll also require access to quiet walks away from other dogs. Tasha’s new owners will need to be patient with her while she settles into her new home. She can’t be left alone initially but should be ok for short periods if this is done very gradually.

To find out more about Tasha and the adoption process, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.

Rocco, Mastiff – Old English

Age: 12 months

Rocco’s story: Rocco is a boisterous boy but he has had a tough time of it, first finding himself in need of a new home at just six months old (with another rescue organisation)

Temperament: Rocco is a young dog who still has lots to learn about life. He hasn’t had much chance to socialise in his life so far, and he can get a little over excited! But with patient and experienced owners who can continue his training, Rocco has lots of potential to blossom into a wonderful companion.

Ideal home: Rocco needs to live with people who have experience of large breed dogs who can keep him on the right track with his training. He’s a big strong lad, so needs very active owners, who can handle him safely too. Rocco can’t be left at all at the moment and will take time to slowly build up his confidence in this area – in the meantime, he’ll need his owners to be around all the time, until he’s ready to be left for short periods. He doesn’t want to share his home with any other pets or small children but will be fine around older children (over 16s) who aren’t worried by a big strong goofball!

To find out more about Rocco and the adoption process, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.

Billy, Saluki Cross Lurcher

Age: 18 months

Billy’s story: Billy was handed to Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs when his owner changed jobs and could no longer look after him.

Temperament: Billy is a very loving and attentive dog when he is with you, but he is fearful of other dogs which he shows by barking. Once he has been introduced to dogs, he then just wants to play!

Ideal home: Billy needs a nice secure garden and an owner who can give him lots of walking and training. He may need some time to bond, but once he has he follows guidance and is learning that people are not scary. He has not met any cats before, so needs a cat-free home.

To find out more about Billy and the adoption process, you can visit the Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs website or call them on 07562 986101.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club works with animal rescues around the area on its monthly profiles. 

Read More:

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• Stray Pets Rescue Club: Ginger, Bongo, Badger and a rat all need loving homes

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly pet profile of animals in desperate need of a loving home. This month’s selected pooches are Ginger and Badger with the addition of some very intelligent rats, and Bongo the Bosc Monitor… 

Greyhound, Ginger 

Age: 3
Ginger’s story: Ginger has just retired from his career as a racing greyhound. He is shy with new people at first, but if you give him some space, Ginger soon comes out of his shell.
Temperament: Ginger is sweet-natured, affectionate and adores his food! Ginger absolutely loves being around dogs as they really boost his confidence.
Ideal home: He has never lived in a house before, so he needs patient owners who will help ease him into the next chapter of his life as a family pet and teach him basic training, including housetraining. While he gets used to life with his paws up, Ginger’s new owners will need to be around all the time. Once he’s settled, he should be ok to be built up to being left for a few hours. Ginger can live with children over 16 years old and will happily share his home with another similar dog. Like all ex-racers he has a high prey drive so he cannot live with cats or other small furry pets.

To find out more about Ginger and the adoption process, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.

Bosc Monitor, Bongo

Age: You never ask a lizard its age…  
Bongo’s story: Bongo has been at Knaresborough Exotic Rescue for about 5 months, arriving due to a change in circumstance. 
Temperament: Bongo was nervous at first but over time and with the correct care and handling, he’s coming around to being a lovely calm lizard. 
Ideal home: Bongo will need a home with experience and a large enclosure. He is currently about 2 feet in length, but Bosc Monitors can grow to over 4 feet long so will eventually need an enclosure at least 6-8 feet in length, providing about 32 degrees at the warm end and approximately 20 degrees at the cooler end. Bosc Monitors can make great house lizards providing they have a heat source in the house. They have a diet mainly consisting of defrosted chicks and rodents but can also eat locusts, eggs and some raw meat.

To find out more about Bongo and the adoption process, you can visit K’rescue Knaresborough’s Facebook page or give them a call on 07837 445352.

Lurcher, Badger

Age: 4
Badger’s story: Badger was living as a stray and handed to SYD Rescue by a local dog warden.
Temperament: Badger is lovely and friendly but is very energetic and can be boisterous. He loves going for walks, but needs to be kept on a lead or he will chase other small animals. He is very clever and is currently doing clicker training.
Ideal home: Badger is looking for new family who have had dogs before and who can take him for walks and to secure fields where he can run around and play lots of games. He likes to chase small furry animals, so cannot live with cats or other small pets. Because he is so energetic and bouncy, Badger cannot be homed with children under the age of 12.

To find out more about Badger and the adoption process, you can visit the Saving Yorkshire Dogs website or call them on 07562 986101.

Rats

Age: babies from 8 weeks old, adults between 6 months to 1 year
Temperament: Rats make fantastic pets for people of all ages. They are very intelligent and bond to people well – and love nothing more than snuggling in jumpers and hoods! As rats get older, they are happy to be taken out on harnesses, and the possibilities are endless when it comes to learning tricks.
Ideal home: Rats can be kept on wood based cat litter, and need a larger cage than mice and hamsters. They eat rat nuggets and a mixture of fruit and vegetables, and don’t smell as much as people think!

To find out more about adopting a rat, you can visit K’rescue Knaresborough’s Facebook page or call them on 07837 445352.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club works with animal rescues around the area on its monthly profiles. 

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