These are the faces of 12 adorable dogs at the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter in need of a forever home this Christmas.
The amazing team at the shelter work tirelessly to care for the four-legged friends but need families in the area to come forwards and take the animals home to start a new life with them.
All the animals at the shelter's sites on Claremont Road and in Benton have their own stories and unique needs. The centre takes in abandoned and mistreated animals and coaxes them back to full health and confidence, before sending them off with new loving families.
It sounds simple, but it's a process that requires a hands-on team of 30 to manage and see through from start to finish. Earlier this year NewcastleWorld visited the Benton home to meet Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter's staff and residents.
It's important to ensure that any prospective homes for the dogs go through a rigorous screening and matching process to make sure it's the perfect union - after all, a dog is for life not just for Christmas.
Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter is closed to the public until January 6 and will not be rehoming until then, but below is a gallery of the pups without a place to call home this Christmas.
Information on the dogs available is correct as of Monday, December 19.
1. Bowser, 5, Greyhound
"Bowser is a sweet, nervous, shy boy who, at the moment, is a little scared of the world around him. Typically timid, Bowser needs an owner with plenty of time and patience who is prepared to move at his pace and work on his confidence so he can begin to enjoy his place in the world.”
2. Brook, 4, Greyhound
"Brook is a confident lad who loves his friends almost as much as he loves his grub! Brook enjoys chasing a ball, and loves his zoomies, but he is just as happy having a cuddle and a snuggle on the sofa!”
3. Dolly, 7, American Bulldog
"Dolly is a beautiful girl who can be a little shy when first meeting people. However, her love of food means she is happy to make friends with you in no time! Once Dolly has overcome her initial shyness, she is a very affectionate and loving girl who loves a snuggle on the sofa.”
4. Eskimo, 4, Greyhound
"Eskimo is a lovely lad who can be a little nervous when first meeting new people, but he quickly comes around. He loves a good zoom around the agility pens when he is off lead, but you have to stand clear as he flies around! Once his zoomies are over he likes to come over to you for some attention, leaning into your leg as you stroke him."