Can you help Wirral's desperate dogs find their furr-ever home?

Friends of Birkenhead Kennels (FOBK) originally started out as a small group of volunteers who helped to exercise the dogs through a walking programme.

They helped to raise thousands of pounds to improve the facilities at the kennels on Corporation Road and the quality of care for the dogs.

But as time has gone by, the group has gone from strength to strength and currently has 27 dogs in its care.

Kate Maylor, from FOBK, said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the service continues to serve the local community.

“To help us achieve this we receive incredible support from local people and businesses. We have a team of dedicated volunteers - we are always looking to recruit more people – and trustees who work tirelessly to support all aspects of the charity.”

Their work ranges from dog walking, come rain or shine, to holding fundraising events and carrying out homechecks.

Volunteers also work at the on-site pet shop Lead Me a Stray which is open Tuesday to Saturday 9am until 1pm, and then 2pm until 5pm.

All proceeds from the pet shop go directly into helping the dogs in their care.

Kate said: “We also depend on financial support to help us run the service. We receive limited funding to operate the service however, due to increase running costs, veterinary bills etc, we require more funding.”

FOBK are launching an annual kennel sponsorship scheme where individuals or businesses can sponsor a kennel. Donations are also accepted directly or via text giving.

Kate added: “As we are a stray facility, we cannot refuse a stray dog. At present we are incredibly full and have 27 dogs in our care who are desperately seeking their forever home.”

Some of the dogs currently searching for a home are...

1. Bella

Bella is a beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier, aged approximately seven to eight-years-old. She was found in Tranmere as a stray. When she arrived she had a severe flea allergy, bald patches and was very underweight. She has been with FOBK since March 2015 and is one of their longest stayers.
 

2. Mia

Mia is a sweet happy English Bull Terrier approximately seven-years-old who really enjoys her walks. Mia is one of the happiest dogs in the kennels and her tail never stops wagging. Volunteer dog walkers say she walks well on the lead and will sit nicely for treats.

3. Irene

Irene is an elderly Cross terrier/collie. Irene is still very spritely despite her age, she loves her walks with the volunteers and really enjoys her cuddles. Irene has been with FOBK since April 1, which is far too long for any dog never mind one of advanced years. Irene is looking for her forever home where she can be walked, loved and spoilt.
 

4. Hope

Hope really is cute as a button. A cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, approx 4/5. Hope is one of FOBK's longest stayers and is desperate for love and affection from that perfect family. Hope would suit being the only animal in the house.

5. Blackie

Blackie is a handsome, white Husky. He is only one-year-old and looking for that perfect family to give him the attention and exercise that he deserves. Unfortunately Blackie has got medical issues. FOBK's vet suspects that Blackie has suffered a head trauma prior to his arrival at Birkenhead Kennels and will therefore require continuous veterinary attention.

6. Ida

Ida was unwanted and cruelly thrown out of a car in Wallasey and ended up in FOBK's care. She is a boxer approx 6 years old. Ida is a beautiful playful girl who loves attention and gets very silly when playing, she is a typical boxer who is still very puppy like.

7. Isla

Isla is a petite Cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She is very affectionate young girl (approx. 2 years old). FOBK think that Isla may be deaf so will need a patient, loving home that can help her to adapt to life after kennels.  

8. PD

PD is a male cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Poor PD was found tied to railings in Birkenhead park. He is only a youngster, approx. 2 years of age and when he came in he had a swollen face. He is desperate for a safe and secure forever home he can call his own.

9. Rocco

Rocco is a big, strong and stunning Alapaha Bulldog only 18 Months old. Rocco caused quite a commotion when found as he was struggling to get himself out of water at the back of Upton train station and was rescued following a team effort by the RSPCA, fire service and FOBK staff. Read more about Rocco's rescue here. Unfortunately no owner has come forward for Rocco and he is now looking for a new home.

10. Terrier

This week, an elderly cross terrier was found straying in Mersey Park and a kind member of the public took him to FOBK. He is in an extremely poor condition, emaciated, flea ridden, matted and suffering with a very aggressive open tumour. This poor dog is now receiving the care that he needs and has had a good haircut to make him more comfortable however he has obviously been in considerable pain for some time. If you have any information about this dog then please call FOBK on 0151 556 1220.
 

• If you want to meet and potentially give one of the above dogs a new home, visit Birkenhead Kennels on Corporation Road. They are open Tuesday to Saturday each week. Viewing times are 11.30am until 1pm and then 2pm until 4pm.

Staff and volunteers on site can give you all the information you need about individual dogs and explain the rehoming process.

Homechecks are carried out for all dogs rehomed and new owners can be assured that all dogs will have received up to date vaccinations, be microchipped and will be spayed/neutered wherever possible.
 

• Rehoming fees are £85.00. 
• To see more dogs currently at the kennels, visit fobk.org.uk
• A microchipping clinic is held each Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm. £10 per chip.
• If you would like to become involved with FOBK, become a sponsor or simply find out more about what they do, call in for a visit or email office@fobk.org.uk.
• To make a donation via text giving simply text £amount to FBCK07.