Dog rehoming centre near Guisborough at capacity
The charity says there are so many dogs 'that need a second chance'
A dog rehoming centre near Guisborough says it is upsetting to see so many without a home.
Maxi's Mates, which is based in Dunsdale, say they are at capacity with the number of rescues and strays they have.
Jane Galliford, co-founder, said: "In the last few months we've had to add extra kennels, so at the moment we've gone from around 40 kennels up to about 53. It's upsetting for us. The dogs that have been here the longest are two lurchers. We have Dickie and Chester and they both don't like other dogs. Dickie is my favourite. He's so funny and he's really such a nice dog. He just needs somebody to give him a chance.
"I believe that it's all probably stems back from Covid where people have chosen the wrong breed; they haven't done their research and they've ended up with dogs that they really can't manage. We've got some huge breeds in here and I don't believe any of them are strays. You can't lose a dog that big.
"The last few homes we've been to the dog actually lived there. We actually found that out later but the owners just aren't coming forward. I just can't believe how brazen people can be. You've got a dog that you're supposed to love yet you're saying that dog is a stray?
"It's worrying that the more strays that are coming in they seem to be more difficult dogs, possibly unsocialised due to Covid. If we get a small breed like a shih-tzu then we know that dog's going but it's the bigger dogs and that's the reason why we're full. The bigger dogs are taking up kennels and not getting rehomed.
"I do get a lot of reasons and I do understand that times are hard for everyone. It can be the cost of living, they could've split up from their partner or they could be working longer hours. But I always think a dog is for life. If you can keep hold of that dog through difficult times then hopefully things will get better. Please try everything you can do before wanting to rehome your dog."
You can find out more on their website or Facebook group.