Every one of Northern Ireland's 36 dog rescue and rehoming organisations has a waiting list of pets queuing to be surrendered by their families.
Some are just pups of a few months old, others are older dogs, most are fit and well and a number have health problems that need regular medication.
In addition to people leaving their dogs to the care of others, the rescues are also still dealing emergency cases of dogs found straying and litters of abandoned puppies.
Read more: Stolen puppy Taz found dead in Dublin a month after he was taken
At Almost Home Animal Rescue NI in Moira, they are trying to find homes for almost 200 dogs including 23 Collies, including Barney who has been with them almost all of his life.
He was found emaciated as a puppy, tied up by a chain with an injury to his neck almost two years ago. Today after months of work by the rescue team to help him grow in confidence and develop his social skills, Barney is ready for his forever home. But they are in short supply, especially for Collie who need breed experience.
Karen Matthews from Almost Home said: "He's another handsome boy is in need of a forever home and has been with us for almost two years now. He’s a young boy, very loving and very affectionate but he he hasn’t had the easiest of lives.
" Typical of the collie breed he needs to be busy, he loves games and enrichment as with all dogs is vital. Barney is good with other dogs but it drives his energy levels high so we feel he will be happy as an only dog.
"So we are looking for a calm, settled home environment with no children under 16 and Collie experience is preferred. He's a wonderful boy and so deserves a human if his own.
"Collies make wonderful home companions for the right people. they are generally high energy, so tend to need someone who is active and likes plenty of exercise. They're very smart and easy to train and they tend to thrive with someone who will stimulate those busy brains with lots of training and even fun tricks."
Here's Barney's personal bio:
My name is Barney I’m the sweetest most lovable and affectionate boy you could meet.
I’m calm, settled and I sleep in my crate at night, a good boy I pride myself on being clean and keeping my bedroom tidy.
I love my walks with my favourite humans and enjoy the adventures we go on.
I have them wrapped round my paws and they take me out 3/4 times a day.
I was found in April 2021 meaning I’m nearly 2 years of Almost Home, I know the whole team love me but I need a human off my own.
Found abandoned and tied up I was there for a few weeks before anyone found me, emaciated, scared and downtrodden.
Thank God for the team here but because my neck hurt I don’t like it too be touched.
I have few funny little ways; I’m wary of people being near my food, the team are fab at understanding my needs. Starving with food in such little supply, now it's very important to me, but as long as I’m left alone to eat I’m happy.
I am really looking for a quiet and settled home environment with no little people as they worry me. A home where there isn’t too much happening, I love to curl up and let life pass by.
I really enjoy walks but I like to stick to routine and just love a gentle sniff around the hedgerows. I need a confident owner who can let me decide if I am in need of company. I would love to be home before the two years are up.
I have more good points than bad and I promise if you give me a chance I’ll love you always.
You can apply to adopt Barney by clicking here
We feature eight of the other 22 Collies waiting for their forever homes. Click the name in red to be taken to their adoption forms
Archie is a one-year-old Collie who is completely deaf but it doesn’t hold him back in any way. He’s affectionate, super sweet natured and at a year old is just a baby. He adores play time, the more toys the better. He’s a quick learner. Children 14+ Archie can live with other dogs.
Pippa is just 14 months old with a gentle natured. She loves showing affection and can at times feel a little nervous but her personality is really starting to blossom as her confidence grows. She is a quiet, settled girl who will no doubt make the right family very lucky. Another dog in the home would be vital for Pippa.
Cap hasn’t had an easy life and was let down by humans when he needed them the most. He is a loving and affectionate boy of about five years old. He is great on the lead, he can initially be slightly nervous in new situations but it doesn’t take him long to settle. Cap can live with children 12+
Nellie is just 5 months old Nellie and a sweet natured, lovable pup who is full of fun. She is great with other dogs, and although Nellie's hearing isn’t the best, it does not stop her In anyway.
Eli is another Collie, another tale to tell. Chained to a barrel then put in with the sheep, he was terrified. He’s such a quiet shy boy and so wants to trust but is scared. A special home for him, perhaps another dog to help him. He needs a quiet and settled home and the time and patience of someone with Collie experience. Children 12+.
Andy is a young Collie aged around 18 months and is a soft natured and gentle boy who is he’s very loving and affectionate. Great with others dogs and he walks well on the lead.
Beau is just the loveliest boy with a great nature, energetic and full of beans.. At around 18 months old, he’s great with other dogs or would happily settle as an only boy in his new home.
Rosie found herself back at the shelter after being homed briefly. She is a beautiful natured girl who was thrown out on the streets after the arrival of a new baby. She’s full of fun and enjoys playtime with the other dogs although we feel a home as an only dog, where she can be the princess she wants to be, would be best. Rosie can panic if there is too much going on around her so a quiet, settled home would be suited. Children 16 +
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