TWELVE dogs have clocked up a combined seven years in charity kennels.
The long-stay pooches have been straining at the leash to attract a loving new owner, but have been passed by time and time again.
Now Cheltenham Animal Shelter is launching a fostering scheme to give them a chance to have a home.
It will also free up space for more waifs and strays.
The shelter is appealing to people who might have room to take in one of the dogs.
Fundraising manager Deb Barron said: "These poor dogs have been stuck in kennels for seven years – if we can get them into a less stress-free environment they might find it easier to find homes as they'll present better.
"It would also help with assessing the dogs' behaviour.
"People would foster for as long as it takes to find the dog a new, loving home – or they might fall head over heels in love and adopt it themselves.
"Anyone who wants to foster would go through the normal home checks and vetting procedures.
"The dog would be promoted back at the kennels and interested owners could visit it at the foster home.
"They could then do a home-from-home adoption so the dog doesn't have the stress of coming back into the shelter's environment."
Foster parents would pay for the pet's general care, but the charity would cover any veterinary costs.
Nine of the 12 dogs who have been resident more than three months are Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
"They have an unjustified bad reputation," said Deb. "They're the Marmite of the dog world – you either love or hate them."
For details on fostering, contact the shelter on 01242 523521 or email dogs@gawa.org.uk.
OPINION, P8
