Dogs Trust Darlington is looking for local dog lovers to open their homes and hearts by volunteering to foster a dog whilst they wait to find their forever home.
The team is looking to recruit foster carers who live no more than an hour's drive from the County Durham centre.
Tony and Amanda Farndale from Saltburn have recently become foster carers and wholeheartedly recommend the joys that come from giving love to dogs in need of home comforts.
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Their home is currently a temporary abode to best pals Missy and Chiko as they await their forever home.
Jack Russell terrier Missy, aged 13, and short haired Chihuahua Chiko, who is 11, are a friendly pair who simply adore being together.
Dogs Trust staff say the pair are happy friendly little dogs who are low maintenance and really deserve to live in a home environment for their retirement years.
But while they wait for their forever home, they are happy living with Tony and Amanda.
Tony said: "We have been fostering for seven months now and have found it so enjoyable and rewarding.
"We could be caring for dogs that are not coping well in kennels like Missy and Chiko, building the confidence of a nervous dog or helping a dog convalescing after an operation.
"It's an absolute pleasure to see dogs we foster going to their new homes knowing that we have given them a safe and loving environment when they needed it most."
Rebecca Roscoe, Home from Home Co-ordinator at Darlington Rehoming Centre said: "It is vital we have foster carers like Tony and Amanda to provide a loving home on a temporary basis.
"We are so grateful to all the fosterers we have, but we are actively looking for more and are keen to hear from anyone who is interested in fostering.
"Fosterers must have time and patience to help the dog adjust to their new surroundings.
"They must also be prepared to say goodbye to them in the future which can often be the hardest part.
"But as a fosterer you can be assured you have played a pivotal role in the successful happy future life of the dog and that your love will be lapped up by the next foster dog waiting for your help."
Fosterers must have a love of dogs, be at home for a large part of the day and preferably not have children under 10 years old.
Dogs Trust will support you every step of the way providing food, bedding and any other practical things you need to make your new canine friend feel at home.
The charity also covers the costs of all veterinary treatment. The length of time a dog is in foster care differs in each individual case.
Anyone interested in fostering or finding out more can contact Darlington's Home from Home team at HFHDarlington@dogstrust.org.uk or call our contact centre on 01325 333 114 and ask for Darlington Home from Home team.
