Rehoming charity has 100 'underdogs' in region

Last year more than 45,000 people enquired about handing their pets over to the Dogs Trust

A dog-rehoming charity is finding many in its shelters are being overlooked by potential new owners, because of the cost-of-living crisis and unsocialised lockdown pets.

Across the West Midlands at the Dogs Trust's three centres, more than 100 have been classified as "underdogs".

Some may have additional needs, "whether that [be] behaviour or veterinary care", the charity said, and others were "just simply overlooked, because of the way they look".

Last year more than 45,000 people enquired about handing their pets over to the Dogs Trust.

The charity said it was aware the cost of living was taking its toll and it had set up a doggy food bank.

Tristan Smith, from the organisation, stated: "Even if you're really busy, there's probably a dog that is used to being left that we could match you with.

"I really do think there's a dog for everybody."

Liquorice is one of the underdogs who have been in the charity's care for at least six months

Liquorice, a Shar Pei cross, came to the Dogs Trust at Kenilworth in Warwickshire as a puppy with digestion issues.

But following a corrective operation and a new soft diet, he has been added to the growing number of underdogs who have been in the charity's care for at least six months.

It is looking for owners "that are happy to continue to monitor him in his new home".

Scarlett Brophy from the charity said that although the dog had had the operation, it "may be something that does cause him some issues in the future".

She added: "You can see the way that he's eating. He's been taught to kind of eat his food as slowly as possible.

"It doesn't stop him from being a puppy. He loves fuss and cuddles. He loves playing with toys.

"He really enjoys playing with other dogs and does prefer older dogs that can kind of show him the ropes."