Can you give a poor pooch a home this Christmas?

Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue has 15 four-legged friends in its care and is looking for pet lovers to offer them loving homes.

Carol Smith, from the rescue centre in Withington, near Hereford, said many of them are older animals that have been overlooked for younger, more attractive dogs but would make ideal companions to anyone feeling lonely this festive season.

"A lot of our dogs have been on death row but we have taken them in along with other stray, abandoned and unwanted dogs," she said.

"We wouldn't recommend that they go to families with young children at this time of year, but people who are anticipating a quiet Christmas would be ideal."

She added that there are many benefits of taking in older dogs as they tend not to chew things and make a mess like puppies and younger dogs.

Prince is a six to eight-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross who has been in the care of the rescue centre for a considerable time.

"We had hoped to find Prince a home by Christmas, but sadly, it seems it is not to be," Carol said.

"We thought we had found him the perfect home, unfortunately things did not work out as planned and after a brief spell in a home Prince came back to the kennels.

"He was not to blame - he was the perfect dog and he didn't put a paw wrong."

Anyone who can offer Prince or one of his friends a permanent or foster home this Christmas should call Carol on 01885 482967 or visit www.hwanimalrescue.orgfor more information.

If you are unable to offer a home to a dog, presents of treats, toys and blankets would be appreciated to help give the dogs a happy Christmas.

Carol is urging anyone with young children to wait until after Christmas before thinking about taking in a puppy.

"With all the excitement of Christmas the last thing you want is a puppy tearing things up," she said.

"By all means look at homing a dog afterwards, but if you have small children, now is the wrong time."