If you are in a position to take on a new pet, rescuing one from a shelter is always worth considering.

There’s no shortage of animals in need of a forever home who might just make the ideal addition to your family.

From a petite pug to a leggy greyhound, there’s a wide range of four-legged friends at St Giles Animal Rescue in Taunton right now.

Here are five pooches looking for that someone special to give them the love they deserve.


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Bagel

Somerset County Gazette:

Breed: Pug

Age: 4 years

Bagel came into the care of St Giles due to a change of circumstances in her home.

She was nervous on arrival and took a little bit of time to come out of her shell but is growing in confidence day by day.

Bagel can be nervous of handling which is being worked on but will need someone to continue doing this with her in the home environment.

She will need an adult-only home as the presence of children can be very stressful for her. She will also need a slow settling in period to allow her to acclimatise to the new surroundings and environment.

Bagel would be best as the only dog in the home as she can find the presence of other dogs overwhelming.

For more information on Bagel, visit the St Giles Animal Rescue website.

Ginny

Somerset County Gazette:

Breed: King Charles Spaniel

Age: 6 years, 5 months

Ginny came into the centre as a stray, so not much is known about her past life.

A gentle, sweet natured girl who loves to be around people, Ginny is finding kennel life difficult, so she spends a lot of her days snoozing in the office with the team.

She enjoys going for walks in the countryside and spending time with her doggy pals.

Ginny could potentially live with older children and another calm and gentle dog pending introductions are the centre first.

Ginny also struggles with being left on her own so would need owners who are around for most of the day to help settle her in.

For more information on Ginny, visit the St Giles Animal Rescue website.

Maisie

Somerset County Gazette:

Breed: Collie mix

Age: 3 years, 1 month

Maisie is originally from Eastern Europe and has spent a long time in kennels. St Giles is helping to re-home her on behalf of pet rescue charity, New Beginnings.

Due to her history, Maisie can be cautious around strangers, however once she has created a bond, she is incredibly affectionate and trusting.

She is very intelligent and will thrive in an active home with plenty of space to explore, with a family who are willing to work with her to make her feel safe and comfortable.

Maisie will need to be the only pet in the home, as she is very wary of other dogs.

For more information on Maisie, visit the St Giles Animal Rescue website.

AJ

Somerset County Gazette:

Breed: Lurcher

Age: 3 years, 10 months

AJ is a very sweet boy who loves his human friends, he is partial to a belly rub and a gentle fuss.

He loves to play with balls and tug toys, loves his treats and is food motivated.

AJ has had quite an unsettled life and is really looking for a home where he can thrive and continue his training.

He would like someone who is home most of the time to help settle him in slowly and at his own pace. He would also do best in a rural home with owners who enjoy long countryside walks.

AJ could potentially live with older children pending introductions at the centre first. Although he can be sociable with calm doggy friends on walks, once he has got to know them, Aj can be overwhelmed by some dogs and so he would prefer to be the only dog in the home.

For more information on AJ, visit the St Giles Animal Rescue website.


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Zara

Somerset County Gazette:

Breed: Greyhound

Age: 1 year, 11 months

Zara has spent her life so far as a racer so is now learning how to settle in new environments.

A happy girl who loves people, she enjoys her walks and walks nicely on a loose lead. She is also learning how to play with toys and is very interested in squeaky teddies.

A potential adopter will need to be patient and spend lots of time settling her into a home, which may include house training and being left alone.

Zara could potentially live with another dog, preferably a sighthound of similar size. She can walk nicely with other dogs but is worried by excitable dogs in her personal space.

She could potentially live with sensible children pending meets but no small furries.

For more information on Zara, visit the St Giles Animal Rescue website.