AMONG the people working over the Christmas and New Year holiday are those who spend their time tending to animals in distress.

Like people, animals get hurt and fall ill during holiday period but another group of dogs and cats that need care 24/7 are those in rescue centres.

So the daily routine of feeding, cleaning, exercising and caring carries on at centres like Forest Dog Rescue on the borders of south Shropshire and the Teme Valley.

The rescue centre has been going for more than a quarter of a century and under its present management for about six years.

It is a combination of paid staff and volunteers that makes the centre work and the philosophy is not to have a healthy dog put down unless there are very special reasons such as a temperament or behaviour problem that would make it a risk to people or other animals.

Finding new homes for the dogs is not easy but each prospective new home is checked and there is follow-up.

Other than for reasons of health or age, all dogs and bitches go to the new home neutered or spayed and, if not, the new owners have a voucher so they can get the job done.

There are many reasons why a dog may need a new home and a lot of heart-breaking stories as Alison Jones, a trustee at Forest Dog Rescue can testify.

“We get a lot of cases in which people’s circumstances change and, for example, they move to rented accommodation that will not accept a pet,” said Alison.

“But there is also an influx of older dogs, especially around Christmas, that are sent for rehoming. We know that this is often because people decide that they want a puppy and so a dog that has been with them for many years gets cast aside.”

Keeping the rescue centre going is a huge financial challenge with the annual bill in the order of £250,000.

Raising this kind of funding is a constant challenge for staff and volunteers. Forest Dog Rescue has charity shops in Ludlow and Kidderminster. People can also make donations by going on to the website.

In addition to the upkeep of the kennels and facilities there are staff to pay – “I wish we could pay more,” said Alison.

One of the biggest expenses are vets' bills can run to several thousands of pounds a month.

Forest Dog Rescue wants people to give dogs a home and enjoy the love and companionship that the pet will give in return.

But the centre also wants people who take on dogs to recognise the commitment that they are making. Dogs need training, exercising and feeding as well as regular boosters and treatment when they become ill.

Dogs offer a lot in return but also demand time and money in what has to be viewed as a long-term commitment.

Some dogs, especially smaller breeds often from terrier stock, can live well into their teens and, in some cases, even longer.

That is as long as a child from birth to university age so getting a good match between owners and dogs is very important.