Homeless at Christmas (From Penarth Times)

Homeless at Christmas

IF it weren't for people like Janet Long, these gorgeous dogs would have had a very miserable Christmas.

The nine-week old Jack Russell cross puppies were taken to the Vale council's rescue kennels, Croft in Bridgend, on Christmas Eve by a man who claimed to have found them.

Kennel manager Janet Long and staff have been giving them the utmost in care and attention ever since, but believe they will be quickly rehomed.

The kennels take in dogs brought in by dog wardens and members of the public from both the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend.

More than 50 dogs have been taken to the kennels since the start of December, filling the home to near its capacity.

But according to Janet, Penarth Times readers can give themselves pats on their backs after donating a "brilliant" amount of food and blankets following an appeal.

"I would really like to thank people for their generosity," she said. "The support has been fantastic. And 99 per cent of the dogs who have appeared in the paper have been rehomed."

The Vale of Glamorgan Council's dog warden, Caroline Cowan, said the number of dogs collected since she started back at work at the beginning of the week had been "colossal".

Caroline, who works closely with Janet, said: "Dogs are a big commitment and should not be given as presents. They can take up to 15 years of your life.

"If you are having any problems with your pet, then we are here to give advice and can help with basic training so you can live in harmony with your pet."

Contact Caroline at the civic offices on Holton Road on 01446 700111 and the Croft Rescue Kennels on 01656 862288.