Three-legged German shepherd among dogs needing homes in Cornwall

There are currently dozens of dogs with a lot of love to give, who are desperately looking for new forever homes in Cornwall. Would-be dog owners are being urged to 'adopt, not shop' so we've compiled a list of dogs that are desperately looking for new forever homes.

Many have not had the best start in life or struggle with behavioural issues, some just need the patience and care to help them have the second chance they deserve. Dogs of all kinds are currently available in Cornwall - and by offering one a home you'll be helping relieve the strain on animal shelters around the county.

From an adorable Patterdale cross who is full of energy to a three-legged German Shepherd who is said to be "loving and resilient", there are plenty of dogs looking for their second chance at a happy life.

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Paws2Freedom

This Launceston-based charity has three dogs that are desperately seeking a new home. To adopt a dog, visit the Paw2Freedom website, here.

Koko

Koko is an 18-month-old vizsla cross, who has been described as a "captivating dog, who embodies the lively, friendly, and affectionate traits typical of her breed." However, the team said she also possesses a strong sense of self and can be stubborn at times.

She is seeking an active and experienced individual or family who can dedicate ample time to her training, daily exercise, and companionship. Older dog-savvy teenage children could be perfect companions for Koko and another dog in the household could be beneficial, depending on their temperament. However, the team said they are unable to assess Koko’s compatibility with cats, so they would prefer a feline-free home for her.

To learn more about Koko and register your interest, here.

Soni

Soni is an approximately 10-year-old labrador retriever who was a former chain dog and yearns for a loving home. Despite his past, he’s lively and loves people, especially females. The team at Paws2Freedom believe that with patient socializing, he’ll thrive in a caring environment.

His perfect home is described as being with someone experienced with his breed. An adequate size secure garden is a must-have for Soni, providing good space for exploration, play, training and lounging, especially during the initial settling-in period when the team strongly advise not to walk him.

Soni is child-friendly but considering his temperament and lack of training, as well as given that this will be his future retirement home, he is looking for a settled environment, preferably without young resident children.

To learn more about Soni and register your interest, click here.

Cody

Cody is an approximately three-year-old shepherd-type crossbreed dog. Found as a stray in Bosnia. after someone left him on a crossroad, and he was there probably waiting for them to come back for him.

Sadly this never happened, but thankfully, a kind-hearted rescuer took mercy on him. Cody now needs to belong and a place to call his home.

To learn more about Cody and register your interest, click here.

National Animal Welfare Trust

The charity, which has a branch in Hayle, has two dogs up for adoption. All dogs are medically checked and assessed, and adopters are also examined for suitability. To adopt a dog from the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT), visit their website, here.

If you would be interested in fostering a dog, you have to meet the listed requirements and email them directly. Their website says: "To foster an animal from NAWT Hayle, you must live close to the centre on Wheal Alfred Road in case vet checks or training sessions are needed. You will also need your own transport to be able to take the animal back and forth from the centre.

Paddy

Paddy is a 12-year-old cockerpoo who is looking for a foster home where he can be the only pet and have a one-to-one home. He often guards things that are precious to him and has some handling issues as well but in his own space, he will thrive.

He walks well on his lead and has a happy bounce that makes his friends at the centre smile. Paddy is also clean and house-trained and can sleep through the night. His favourite hobbies are digging in the sand and swimming in the water.

To learn more about Paddy and register your interest, click here.

Rupert

Rupert is a male 14-month-old Patterdale cross who is full of energy and can't wait to go on adventures with his new owners. He is very friendly and loves lots of attention, although he can be a bit wary of new people and will bark a little until he gets to know them, but once he does, he will shower them with affection.

He can't live with cats but is friendly with other dogs and may be able to live with children. Rupert also walks well on the lead and is great to handle and groom.

To learn more about Rupert and register your interest, click here.

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RSPCA Cornwall

To adopt a dog from the RSPCA Cornwall branch, visit their website here, or if you are interested in fostering a dog from them, visit the fostering page on their website, here.

Anoushka

Anoushka is approximately seven years old and has been described as "a sweet and friendly girl who is ready to find her forever home". She's particularly fond of her outings and enjoys exploring her surroundings with a wagging tail and a spring in her step.

Anoushka is also said to be friendly and outgoing. True to her breed, she's not shy about expressing herself and often engages in a range of vocalizations, from playful howls to enthusiastic barks, adding a touch of charm to her personality.

To learn more about Anoushka and register your interest, click here.

Dexter

Two-year-old Dexter has been described as "a vibrant and intelligent pup waiting to brighten up your home". He loves a tennis ball and his enthusiasm for play knows no bounds. He's always eager to learn and explore new things, making him the perfect companion for anyone who appreciates an active lifestyle.

Dexter's ideal home is with a family who shares his love for adventure and understands the unique traits of the collie breed. Experience with collies and their specific needs is a plus, as Dexter requires careful socialisation, particularly around other male dogs.

To learn more about Dexter and register your interest, click here.

Bella

Bella is a one-year-old German Shepherd cross who is said to be "loving and resilient". The team at the RSPCA Cornwall branch said she has "shown incredible strength and has been an amazing mum to her 11 pups, all of whom have found their forever homes." Now, it's Bella's turn to find a loving family to call her own.

Despite only having three legs, Bella exudes boundless strength on her lead walks. However, her inquisitive mind craves stimulation and enrichment, making daily mental exercises and engaging inactivities essential for her well-being, this will also help her settle into her new home, as she has been known to chew things when she is bored.

To learn more about Bella and register your interest, click here.

Nova

Three-year-old Nova is a labrador retriever cross who is said to be "a delightful dog with a zest for life and a love for playing ball, especially the squeaky ones". She is a quick learner and highly intelligent but can be a bit wary around other dogs due to limited exposure, but with the right guidance and socialisation, she has the potential to become more confident.

Nova thrives on plenty of exercise and enjoys being active, making her the perfect companion for someone who loves outdoor adventures. A large garden would be ideal for her to explore and burn off her energy.

To learn more about Nova and register your interest, click here.

Vera

Vera is seven years old and is described as a sweet and affectionate Staffordshire bull terrier. She is making great strides in overcoming her dog reactivity, happily wearing a muzzle and benefiting from the centre's support and tailored training plans with a clinical animal behaviourist.

She's said to be incredibly friendly with people and children, adoring all the attention she receives. While Vera may easily gain weight, she is a couch potato at heart, content to lounge after exercise. She's also well-behaved, house-trained, and can be left alone for a few hours, also travelling well in the car.

To learn more about Vera and register your interest, click here.

Ivy

One-year-old Ivy is said to be "a big bundle of cuddles and affection". At the centre, she has shown her eagerness to learn and grow, responding well to engagement training that helps her focus on her handler.

Ivy's social nature shines through as she navigates introductions with other dogs, and she's already showing signs of being a great friend to potential canine companions. Sadly the team feels that cats or small animals would be too much of a temptation for her and she will chase them. However, she will thrive in a home with adults who have time to dedicate to her needs.

To learn more about Ivy and register your interest, click here.

K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare

With a total of 21 dogs which need rehoming, (in Bissoe, near Redruth), K9 Crusaders is in desperate need of forever homes for its dogs. To adopt a dog, visit the K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare website, here.

Chippy

Chippy is a six-year-old collie cross-boxer who needs to build his confidence and trust slowly with new people. According to the centre, Chippy retains some anxieties from his previous owners, which manifests in a lack of trust and a dislike of older ladies with grey hair.

He loves being around younger females with long hair and is a happy, playful boy with them. He will accept males too. He is reactive to other dogs, so will need to be the only pet in his new home, and he can't live with children.

To learn more about Chippy and register your interest, click here.

Dougie

Dougie is a nine-year-old Jack Russell terrier cross Staffie who loves to run and play and will chase and fetch toys for as long as you can keep throwing them. But Dougie hates going for walks and can find no pleasure in the outside world. It’s not for the want of trying, it's because he finds the whole experience immensely stressful and quite terrifying. He feels the same about other dogs, too.

He would love to find a home with a secure lawned garden for endless play, and someone to accept him, and love him for who he is. He doesn’t fit the ‘normal’ (whatever that is) perception of a dog, but it doesn’t make him any the less adorable and he has plenty of love to give. Dougie is not suitable for a home with young children, other dogs or cats.

To learn more about Dougie and register your interest, click here.

Dennis

Dennis is a three-year-old terrier who was born in Portugal to street dog parents, but sadly his new adoptive home here in Cornwall didn’t want him. He loves human company and companionship but his poor start in life has made him insecure and he hates being left.

He also loves to be outside, running, leaping and playing, and is hoping to find owners as energetic as he is. Dennis will need a very secure lawned garden for safe running and playing as he loves toys and will need an adults-only household with no other pets. Owners must be committed to training, and be happy to work with K9 Crusaders' recommended trainer.

To learn more about Dennis and register your interest, click here.

Monty

Monty is a six-year-old Patterdale terrier who has not had the life most of us would consider normal for a dog - he has been deprived of socialising, training and exercise. He is having to learn that he is a dog and the team at K9 Crusaders have worked patiently with Monty to develop focus, and to get him walking on the lead.

New owners should be willing and able to continue training and will need to have time, patience and commitment. Monty will need to be in an adult-only home and the only pet in his home, with a very secure garden.

To learn more about Monty and register your interest, click here.

Lexy

Lexy is an eight-year-old Dalmatian cross collie who has been described as "an impressive and efficient hunter", but as she is prone to bouts of IBS her hunting instincts need to be held in check. She is also a fun-loving, affectionate and energetic girl, who can be nervous about the unfamiliar, both people and places, but once settled, her true character comes to the fore, and she is a delight.

She will need to be the only pet as she is reactive to other dogs. Lexy would love a secure lawned garden for those endless games, and someone home most of the day as she doesn’t like to be left for long periods. She could possibly live with dog-savvy, sensible children of 15 years upwards.

To learn more about Lexy and register your interest, click here.

Jimbo

Jimbo is a four-year-old crossbreed who started life as a Spanish street dog and came to K9 Crusaders when his local owner passed away. He is extremely strong and quite excitable. He is learning to walk well on the lead, and he just loves to run and play. He is affectionate with those he knows and trusts.

He is seeking an adults-only home as an only pet, with energetic, capable owners who are prepared to continue training. Jimbo is not keen on other dogs and is not suitable for a home with children. A good-sized, secure garden is a must.

To learn more about Jimbo and register your interest, click here.

Michael

Michael is a one-year-old chihuahua, possibly a chihuahua mix as he is a fair bit larger than you would expect. Unfortunately his early life and development haven’t quite gone to plan, resulting in a unique, quirky little dog who will need sympathetic and very patient management.

He is very scared of unfamiliar places and events, and doesn’t learn quickly. Michael is wary of humans he doesn’t know, and scared of but curious about other dogs. He is most definitely not your typical dog and needs to live in an adult only home with no other pets.

To learn more about Michael and register your interest, click here.

Zasha

Zasha is a one-year-old Rottweiler who has been described as being sweet but "a very complex girl, scared, fear aggressive, guarding and incredibly slow to trust." It has taken considerable time and patience just to be able to get on terms with her, as she barks aggressively at every unfamiliar human, and even at some familiar ones.

She has always hated walking on a lead and just lays down on the spot, looking very scared. K9 Crusaders' vet has investigated to see if there is a physical reason for her reluctance but can find nothing untoward. Her reluctance appears to be psychological but she is making some progress.

She will benefit and gain confidence from having one-to-one sessions with our recommended trainer. Zasha needs to be in an adult-only home without cats and is currently under assessment to see if she can live with other dogs.

To learn more about Zasha and register your interest, click here.

Desmond

Desmond is a five-year-old Staffordshire 'staffy' bull terrier who has experienced and witnessed what no dog should ever have to. Therefore, his trust has gone, and he regards all humans with suspicion. He is constantly wary and apprehensive, watching you, expecting and waiting for the worst to happen.

Physically Desmond has healed, but emotionally and mentally he remains traumatised. The team at K9 Crusaders has said behind his fearful eyes, "there is a happy, fun-loving, comical, affectionate little Staffy locked away, who is just too scared to come out." With Desmond, you are in for the long haul, but he is such a rewarding little dog.

He cannot live with children or other dogs and a very secure, lawned garden is a must for play. Owners will need to be calm, capable and patient, and be very aware of their body language.

To learn more about Desmond and register your interest, click here.

Dexter

Dexter is a seven-year-old Labrador cross collie who has been described as " a nervous chap who can be reactive to unfamiliar humans, and to other dogs." Fortunately, the way to his heart is through his tummy, so in a safe, secure environment, he will come around fairly quickly.

He is looking for a home of his own as an only pet, with adult owners who are patient, calm, capable and willing to work with our recommended trainer. A secure, lawned garden is a must for running and games.

To learn more about Dexter and register your interest, click here.

Terry

Terry is a two-year-old American bulldog cross husky who has had an unfortunate start in life which has impacted his development, and his perception of humans. When he realises he is safe, he can get cheeky and mischievous. He is a large dog to be quite literally throwing his weight around, so he has to be shown boundaries.

Lead training has been slow due to his apprehension and fearfulness, and is ongoing. Terry would suit a quiet, rural location, with a home environment large enough to accommodate his size and energy. His new owners will need to be capable, calm, patient and sympathetic, but able to set and uphold boundaries and commit to training. He cannot live with children or other dogs.

To learn more about Terry and register your interest, click here.

Banksy

Banksy is an eight-year-old Siberian husky who has a great sense of fun and is very affectionate with familiar humans. He is an outdoor dog, needing a secure garden kennel with a good-sized, securely enclosed garden.

He finds indoors too hot and then gets very boisterous trying to get outside. Owners need to be realistic about his strength and exercise needs, as they are considerable. He can't live with children or other pets but is suitable with female dogs.

To learn more about Banksy and register your interest, click here.

Molly

Molly is a seven-year-old jack russell who joined the centre recently as her mum tragically passed away unexpectedly. She has led a quiet, sheltered, rural life and has no experience of the urban environment.

Unsurprisingly she is shell-shocked, wary and nervous of the unfamiliar. She will need time to acclimatise and get used to new people and a new environment. The team said that if she feels safe with you, and trusts you, she is very affectionate, and loves a cuddle and a lap.

Molly has been described to be very sweet-natured and is seeking a rural home as an only pet, ideally with retired adults who enjoy country walks and would like a little shadow.

To learn more about Molly and register your interest, click here.

Tessa

Tessa is a two-year-old bull breed who is looking for a home as an only pet, with responsible, capable adults able to continue with her training program.

To learn more about Tessa and register your interest, click here.

Charlie

Charlie is an eight-year-old German shepherd cross rough collie who is said to be very active, loves to play, and seeks instruction and direction. He needs human company and reassurance and is strong on the lead.

He would do best with an active couple who are home all day, and who enjoy interaction with the dogs, playing ball, training, and going for walks. A dog-friendly, lawned garden would be much appreciated, along with regular trips to a secure dog field as he does not have any recall.

To learn more about Charlie and register your interest, click here.

Tommy

Tommy is a one-year-old French bulldog who is almost ready for his forever home. He arrived at the centre in very poor condition and desperately needs human company, positive attention and affection.

He is said to be like a typical puppy, having the puppyhood he never had when he was younger. Tommy constantly seeks reassurance and physical contact in the form of cuddles and fuss, however, he is not house-trained and is extremely insecure, so he will need someone with him all day to start with, just like a very young puppy.

Tommy is not yet comfortable with other dogs and isn’t ready to share his provider/handler, so will need to be the only pet in the home. The staff at the centre said he is like an eight-week-old puppy, even though he is around one year old. A new owner would need to be aware of his past and understand how it has impacted his perception of life, as well as his development.

To learn more about Tommy and register your interest, click here.

Shauna

Shauna is a five-year-old cockapoo who has been described as an active, fun-loving dog who loves running and playing, and loves a fuss and a tummy rub once she gets to know you. However, she has some challenging behaviours, so will need capable, confident owners/handlers in an adults-only home environment.

Shauna has specific dietary requirements which must be adhered to for her welfare and wellbeing, as she suffers from haemorrhagic colitis - a condition that causes vomiting and diarrhoea that contains blood.

To learn more about Shauna and register your interest, click here.

Eddie

Eddie is a nine-year-old chihuahua cross who is said to be happy, intelligent, and very lively - he’s rarely still. He loves playing and running and loves to walk and despite his size, he rarely tires.

Eddie doesn’t take to everyone, which could reflect his past experiences with humans, and is quick to demonstrate his disapproval and defend himself. However, with those he knows and trusts, he is happy to interact and he enjoys meeting other friendly dogs.

To learn more about Eddie and register your interest, click here.

Candy

Candy is a one-year-old dogue de Bordeaux who was extremely underweight when she arrived at the centre, lacking muscle to support her large frame, and showing other signs of neglect. She was very fearful of the lead, and cars, and work is ongoing to try and accustom her to something approaching normality.

She has been described as "a dear soul" who really wants to please, but between fear, panic and over-excitement, she still requires a lot of help and reassurance, and of course, love. Candy is still underweight, but her digestion has now stabilised, and she is building up slowly and steadily. Her coat is also looking nice now, so the nutrition is hitting the mark.

To learn more about Candy and register your interest, click here.

Bobo

Bobo is a one-year-old cane corso mix who arrived at the centre very underweight - at barely 37kg. With good, regular nutrition he is up to 40kg, but is still very underweight for what he should be.

He is said to love food and treats, a fuss and toys. He loves to play and lie outside in the nice weather. He doesn’t like rain, and he is not dog-friendly. Bobo is an immensely strong and determined boy who will need a physically capable and knowledgeable owner who can be an ambassador for this breed mix.

To learn more about Bobo and register your interest, click here.

Lola

Lola is a five-year-old shih tzu cross who is said to have a a very strong character. She takes a long time to adjust to new people and doesn’t take to everyone. However, she is an active little dog who loves walking and playing. Dog-savvy, capable owners are essential.

To learn more about Lola and register your interest, click here.

Robin

Robin is a 12-year-old lhasa apso and when he arrived at the centre, staff were concerned about his low weight, which has never changed despite them feeding him up. He has had a range of tests and imaging at the vets but no cause has come to light.

However, Robin is said to be a happy, active lad who loves to play tag and chase with you. He enjoys walkies, too but he is not a lap dog and doesn’t like being picked up. The staff said he is a strong character who would like a young at heart owner, and a dog-friendly garden for those games of tag.

To learn more about Robin and register your interest, click here.