Are These Britain's Most Unloved Pets?

Blue Cross is desperately appealing for Britain’s animal lovers to give a home to one of its most unloved pets in time for Christmas.

This motley crew of five unwanted cats and dogs are some of the longest staying guests at our rehoming centres across the country.

While more than 6,000 of their kennel and cattery-mates have found happy homes so far this year, these poor pets have been overlooked again and again by new families.

The average stay of a pet at Blue Cross is a month but these five have a combined total stay of more than two years between them, so we are urging the nation to find it in their heart to give one of these deserving pets a chance.

Junior

One-eyed black cat Junior came to Blue Cross with his brother Jazz because their owner died. They had lived with the same person their whole lives and, at 14 years old, these mature moggies are really struggling to find anyone else willing to give them a chance. They are such a friendly pair who enjoy snuggling up to people and having a fuss. Junior and Jazz are at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Cambridge.

Lolly

Lolly is a two-year-old German shepherd dog crossbreed who came to Blue Cross three days after Christmas last year because her owner could no longer keep her. She’s a bright, fun loving dog who has bags of energy and loves going for long walks and playing off lead. She has learned basic commands while staying at Blue Cross and even knows some cool tricks. Lolly is looking for an active family who have lots of time to spend with her. Lolly is at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford, Oxfordshire.

Archie

Archie loves people so much that when someone passes by his kennel he falls off his shelf in excitement, desperate for some fuss and a chat, yet he’s been waiting for a new family since October 2012. The five-year-old is a playful and friendly chap who would make a wonderful addition to a someone’s life and he’s very easy going, so he’s pretty open minded about sharing his home with children or well-mannered dogs. Archie is at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Buzz and Phoebe

Best friends Buzz, 12, and Phoebe, 10, are a lovely pair of terriers who are finding kennel life tough and are really missing their home comforts. They came to Blue Cross because their owner’s health was deteriorating and he could no longer care for them, and they have been struggling to cope with their sudden change in circumstances. They are very affectionate dogs who love nothing more than to curl up by your side and keep you company and all they need now is a loving home environment again. Buzz and Phoebe are at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Southampton.

Dottie

Black and white cat Dottie came to Blue Cross in February 2013 because her owner was having financial problems and could no longer care for her. The four-year-old is a sweet and inquisitive lady who enjoys playing and, once she gets to know you, is very cheeky and sociable. Dottie is at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Torbay, Devon.

The average stay of a pet at Blue Cross is a month but these five have a combined total stay of more than two years between them, so we are urging the nation to find it in their heart to give one of these deserving pets a chance. If you would like to give a home to any of the pets featured, please visit the Blue Cross animal rehoming pages.