A caring company is taking the lead to help a Porth dog rescue and rehoming centre meet growing demand after making a £500 donation.

Holiday letting specialists Classic Cottages based in Hayle is supporting St Francis Dogs Home towards the costs of rehoming Blue, a two-year-old Siberian Huskie who came to the centre around six weeks ago.

Blue had been living in an outdoor kennel after a family break-up meant his owner had to move to a smaller property. A year outside took its toll and he was very underweight, timid and not used to being on a lead.

St Francis have housed him with a foster family near Newquay while they find him his forever home. But four square meals a day, flea and worming courses, veterinary check-ups and the support of a professional trainer all cost money, which is where the donation from Classic Cottages comes in.

St Francis Dogs Home says it has never been busier as it sees more families and pet owners making the agonising decision to give up their dog.

The charity says the reasons are many and include a boom in dog ownership following the Covid pandemic, renters facing restrictions on pets, the rising cost of living and people having to work longer hours to make ends meet, meaning less time for their dogs.

Beverly Dobson, a dog trainer and behaviourist for more than 30 years who manages St Francis Dogs Home, said: “Blue has made great progress. After living a year outside he wouldn’t go beyond the kitchen at first, but the most recent photo I saw of him he was lying on his back, legs in the air, having his tummy tickled in the middle of the living room. He’s such a good-natured dog.

“The donation from Classic Cottages has made all the difference and Blue is now almost ready for his forever home. We rehome around 200 dogs a year and all our funding comes from donations, so it is very welcome.”

Dominique Adams from Classic Cottages, recently met Blue with colleague Liz Arnell to see how he is getting on.

She said: “We’re thrilled that our donation has made such a difference. Blue really is a lovely dog and we’re so glad to be able to help get him fit again and ready for a new home. We’re all dog lovers at Classic Cottages and just over 60 per cent of our cottages are dog friendly, with more people – around 30 per cent this year – choosing to take their dog on holiday. We hope Blue finds his forever home soon.”

St Francis Dogs Home was established in 1955 and has a core team of four trainers and behaviourists. The charity welcomes donations and bequests and is always on the lookout for volunteers across Cornwall to assist with home checks, fundraising and events. Foster carers are also in great demand, ensuring that rescue dogs have a loving and supportive environment between homes.