During the run-up to this festive season, the Echo has been hunting for homes for our 12 dogs of Christmas.

Nine of the dogs, being cared for at Cleadon Kennels, have found homes.
But Timpson, Cody and Horatio still need YOUR help.







Sarah Wilkinson from the Cleadon Lane-based kennels said they had been inundated since we featured the dogs' stories.

She said: "We were stowed off after the articles went in the paper. We had a really good response. Roxy the rottweiler was the most popular and has been re-homed, but I still have another two rotts, a dog and a bitch, who are equally as lovely as her.

"I think the three remaining dogs have been left because they are not as handsome or as young as the others, which is a real shame."

Cody is an adorable German shepherd-cross which has been at the kennels since June, after he was found wandering the streets in Sunderland city centre.

Sarah said: "The reason he gets ignored is because he gets kennel stressed and paces up and down.

"But outside of the kennels he's got a lovely temperament. He's really loving and sweet."

Cody, who is one year old, would suit an active family which has the time to socialise him properly, but preferably one without small children.

Horatio may not be the most handsome pooch in the pound, but he's certainly the friendliest.

The six-year-old lurcher has been overlooked by visitors since he came to the kennels in April, but Sarah says they are missing out.

"He's not the most handsome dog and he would not be any good for a family with any other animals, but he's fabulous with people.

"No one wants lurchers because they think they need loads of exercise, but that's a misconception."

Horatio was found wandering the streets in Sulgrave, Washington, and just wants to be fussed over.

After Timpson's owner died he was taken to the kennels to find a new family. Nice natured and friendly, the seven-year-old collie-cross would make a lovely pet, according to Sarah.

"He's got a lovely nature. He's a bit older, which means he is overlooked, but sometimes it's easier to take an older dog.

"You don't have to go through the training and they fit in better and they are so glad to get a home."

How you can help

Could you help give these hounds a home?

Cleadon Kennels asks for a £40 donation for each dog that is re-homed on a three-week trial basis.

Each dog owner is given a voucher for their new pet to be neutered for free. A free health check and microchipping for £5 can also be arranged.

Opening times are 2pm to 4pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

For more information call 529 2369. Last viewing before Christmas is tomorrow.

The kennels reopens on Saturday, January 3.