THE FESTIVE season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to give the gift of a loving home to a dog in need.
Christmas is a time of joy and new beginnings, which is why the RSPCA is calling on Southampton residents to see if they can provide a forever home for these beautiful dogs.
Currently, the RSPCA Solent branch in Fareham has four dogs looking to find caring families in and around Southampton.
Gulliver the Lurcher
Gulliver is a sweet natured, sensitive, two-year old Lurcher.
He came to the RSPCA as a stray so there is unfortunately no history on him and what he is like in the home environment.
However, Gulliver is friendly with other dogs and seems to enjoy being around them, unlike cats.
He is gentle by nature and a "joy to walk", but he does have a fairly high prey drive and may only be able to be off lead in enclosed areas, for this reason he would benefit from a large enclosed garden to let of steam in
Waffle the Collie
Two-year-old Waffle bonds very closely with people and is great fun to be around.
He was unfortunately returned to the shelter after four months in the home after his owners found it difficult to manage his behaviour around strangers.
The RSPCA have said it is now "extremely important" that his new family understand the below.
Waffle will need a secure garden to run around in, he will have to be kept on lead initially, and he will also need a quiet home with limited visitors whilst he is settling in.
Gruffalo the Shih Tzu crossbreed
Meet Gruffalo, a "quirky little boy" who is seeking a very experienced, adult only home.
The RSPCA have said it can take Gruffalo several meetings before he feels relaxed around new people, as he has had an uncertain past with little stability.
His muzzle training and socialisation with other dogs and continuous introduction to being brushed and going to the groomers will need to be continued.
As complex as Gruffalo seems, his scruffy face and cheeky grin will make somebody smile every day.
Rocky the Japanese Akita crossbreed
Finally, meet "calm" and playful seven-year-old Rocky.
Rocky is a friendly chap who is happy to greet new people and enjoys attention.
He can be strong on the lead but is used to wearing a head collar and this helps manage his strength.
Rocky will flourish in a home with a family that is experienced with dogs, and with someone who is happy to continue socialising him around other dogs.
To find out more about these pooches, visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
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