ARE you looking to give a rescue pup a new home? There are dozens of unwanted dogs searching for new owners in Darlington.

Dozens of dogs have been admitted to shelters throughout the region as owners sadly struggled to look after their pets during repeated coronavirus lockdowns.

Now, Dogs Trust Darlington is urging caring new owners with "space in your heart and home" to get in and give a rescue dog a new home.

We have picked out 12 dogs the charity is currently looking to rehome after i

Read more: 15 dogs at Darlington Dog's Trust ready to be rehomed

Take a look at these gorgeous pictures and detailed descriptions below, and maybe you can become their new best friend. 

Jacko, Terrier Cross 

The Northern Echo: Jacko. All Pictures: DOG'S TRUSTJacko. All Pictures: DOG'S TRUST

Jacko is a very busy lad who would benefit from channelling his energy into some positive outlets.

He is looking for owners around majority of the day to help him settle into home life. 

Dogs Trust say he needs to be the only pooch in the home as he is working on his doggy social skills. Jacko can live with children of 16 years.

Jess and Ben, Border Collies

The Northern Echo: Jess and BenJess and Ben

Jess is a really loving affectionate 15-year-old girl looking for a home with best mate Ben. Staff currently looking after Jess say she needs her diet continued in her new home as well as gentle exercise. Jess is described as a "stressy" car traveller so ideally car travel would be limited.

Jess is a little more shy than Ben and needs a few more days to settle in. But then she loves a fuss and becomes very affectionate, the Trust said.

They are both house-trained and can be left for a couple of hours when settled in. Jess and Ben can live with over 14s and are ideally just looking for the quiet life. Jess will be on long term pain medication for arthritis.

Kiki, Shar-Pei

The Northern Echo: KikiKiki

Kiki is a shy, sensitive soul who likes to know that her humans can respect this and give her the space required to settle in her own time, and show just what a beautiful girl she is.

Kiki is looking for a quieter home to find her feet, she could live with teenagers over the age of 14 if required and could live with a calm, confident dog.

Kiki has spent time in a foster home and was a perfect house guest, once settled she was house trained and slept well throughout the night. Kiki will require owners who can acknowledge when she is worried and not force her into situations she is uncomfortable with. 

Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Kiki has made a lot of progress and moving into the right home she will continue to do so.

Luna, Lurcher

The Northern Echo: LunaLuna

Luna is one-year-old Lurcher with an "energetic" personality but also has a sensitive side. Staff at the Trust said with the help of some tasty treats her cheeky character comes out. 

She is clever and knows a few tricks already like 'lie down' and 'paw. She loves to play with her toys.

Food and toys are a great way to start building up a friendship with Luna. She needs lots of positive experiences as she can be a bit worried. 

Luna will need the right type of playmate if sharing her home with a another dog. She can live with children 13 years and above.

Luna requires multiple visits at the centre to allow her time to get to know her new family and for the training team to discuss her needs.

Maggie, Lurcher

The Northern Echo: MaggieMaggie

Maggie has been describes as a "lovely little lady" but is also a bit of a "worrier" who can be shy with new faces and timid in new situations. 

Once she builds up a relationship with people she has a "bouncy cheeky side" as you would expect from a lurcher pup. She loves a fuss once made friends.

Maggie needs a bit of a confidence boost and ongoing training. She will need someone at home for her for most of the day as she is only a baby and doesn't like to be left on her own. 

Maggie is looking to be the only dog in the home but must have walking buddies to keep social. She may live with older teens over 16 years. 

This little lady will be a lovely addition to a kind and patient family willing to help her blossom into a more confident, adult dog. She will need a few meets at the centre to make friends before going home.

Novo, A Crossbreed 

The Northern Echo: NovoNovo

Described as a "big bouncy boy" who loves people and adores a fuss and attention, Novo is playful with his toys and likes to be learning new tricks. 

He is not too keen on other dogs and is vocal and reactive on the lead when he sees them, therefore will be better be walked in quieter areas where he can feel more relaxed.

Novo needs new owners to be around for a lot of the time in his new home to build up his time being left. He can live with children over 16. 

He will need to be the only dog in his new home and walked in quiet areas at quieter times. He is such an enthusiastic chap he will be lots of fun in the right home. 

Novo is a real favourite at the centre but would just love to finally find his forever home, he truly deserves it.

Ollie, Bearded Collie

The Northern Echo: OllieOllie

Ollie is described by the Trust as an "incredibly handsome and smart boy" who enjoys interaction with people and loves nothing more than playing with a tennis ball - though he could probably do it all day so will need breaks. 

He's a young boy who needs a very active home but who will also give him the mental stimulation he needs to channel some of his undesirable behaviours.

Ollie is looking for an adult only home where he is the only pet. He is very social on walks so will enjoy meet ups. He will need to be kept on lead for his walk so will need his own secure garden. 

Staff at the Darlington branch say they are looking for a specific layout for Ollie, therefore will require to do a Zoom call to ensure it is suitable. He is house-trained and will be okay to be left for a few hours. Ollie will not be able to have access to a front door, therefore management will be needed when leaving/answering the door.

Ollie will require a few visits to the centre and staff say they will need to do a home visit to ensure that his training can be transferred successfully, therefore anyone interested in Ollie must live within 30 minutes of the centre.

Ralf, Lurcher

The Northern Echo: RalfRalf

"Ralf is a big lad with a huge personality," the Trust says. He knows a lot of basic commands and happily shows them off for a tasty treat. 

He is an excitable boy and is super strong on the lead. Ralf loves to great everyone with enthusiasm.

Ralf is looking for owners who will be able to manage his strength, and he would love to carry on learning his tricks. 

Ralf could be left a couple of hours and may live with children over the age of 12. Ralf would be best as an only dog as he can get over the top with them but would love to have walking buddies. Ralf will make the best companion with owners matching his enthusiasm.

Rocco, Lurcher

The Northern Echo: RoccoRocco

Rocco is a seven-month-old bouncy pup who needs all training starting from scratch. He doesn't sit still for long and is always on the go. 

He is a friendly boy, however he can have moments of sensitivity where he can be unsure. He usually meets people in a very enthusiastic manner.

Rocco is looking for owners prepared for his training including house training and building up his leaving hours. New owners need to be around for him most of the day. 

He can live with older teens (16 years and over). The Trust says he is "over the top to the max" with other dogs and needs correct socialisation so may be best as an only dog for now to help build on this. 

Read more information and enquiries about the pets living at Darlington Dogs Trust can be found by visiting their website here.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054