England : Monday, 14 February 2011 (Local Time)
Their cute furry faces have featured in Andrex adverts for years. Three 'Labs' recently rehomed by the trust
But even loveable Labradors are feeling the pinch of austerity measures, according to a charity dedicated to rehoming the popular dogs.
The Labrador Lifeline Trust said, increasingly, owners are having to give up their animals because of money problems.
A new team of experts have been set up by the charity to help rehome 'Labs' in Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
The trust is extending its reach into the county to cope with higher levels of demand.
Bucks Area Co-ordinator, Janet Butler,said: “Traditionally, people have re-homed their dog because of changes in family circumstances, like ill-health or separation.
“But now we also meet more and more instances where it’s due to financial pressure.
“Some people even have to give up their houses and move to property that is unsuitable for dogs, or where dogs are just not allowed.
“It’s a terrible wrench. People love their dogs, and we’re there to make the parting as easy as possible by moving their Lab to an adopter who will love it and care for it just as they did.”
The trust, formed in 1996, re-homes Labradors of any age.
Owners who have to give up their dogs are able to stay in contact with the adopter through the trust, which vigorously vets new homes.
Anne Carter, trust administrator, said: “We treat every Labrador as if it’s our own. We have a register of potential, approved adopters but, if none of them seems absolutely right for a particular Labrador, we’ll place the dog with one of our specialist fosterers until we identify the new permanent home that we feel is best.”
Story and Foto from : www.thisislocallondon.co.uk (reported by James Nadal)
