02 January 2023 , 09:00
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An adorable dog with a timid personality is desperate to find his new best friend this year. Vinny the nine-year-old shar-pei cross is currently being cared for by the animal welfare team at Dogs Trust Darlington while he awaits a loving family to take him home.
The team say Vinny is a sweet, calm boy who is a little on the shy side, but he loves his foodie treats. Manager Alex Hennessey told the Mirror: "He is a lovely, quiet boy; a real joy to have around. He loves heading out in the car to explore new places and he likes to play too."
Dogs Trust carers are hopeful he will find his forever home in 2023 (Dogs Trust)"He will make a lovely addition to a family and we really hope he finds his special someone very soon."
Vinny arrived at Dogs Trust in May and is ready to head off to a quiet, relaxed home. He can live with teenagers aged 16.
He prefers to be walked in quieter areas so he doesn't meet too many dogs when he's out and about and he would like to be the only dog in his new home.
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Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, cares for around 14,000 dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes every year at its 22 rehoming centres.
But last year year was an exceptional year with the charity receiving a record number of calls from people having to face the heart-breaking decision to hand over their dog.
The charity is urging people to remember that 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas' and is hoping that if people are considering welcoming a dog into their lives, they choose to adopt a homeless hound.
Operations director Adam Clowes says: "We will make sure that every dog in our care has a wonderful Christmas but unfortunately due to the increasing costs of everyday living, many dog owners are currently having to make very difficult decisions when it comes to caring for their dog.
"Our kennels are at capacity and we are concerned that as fewer people can afford to welcome a dog into their life, we will face a housing crisis for dogs in the coming months, which is a tragedy for both dogs and owners.
"We understand the pressures people are facing but we would encourage anyone that is looking for a four-legged friend to share their life with, to consider adopting one of our gorgeous dogs and give a dog in need another chance to be happy at the heart of a loving home."
If you think you could give Vinny a new home this New Year, visit his rehoming page on Dogs Trust's website.