All featured shelters are part of Pet Remedy’s trusted national rescue map, created to help would-be adopters find ethical, welfare-first centres across the UK.
As the twinkling lights go up and families come together, thousands of dogs across the UK will spend Christmas waiting patiently for the greatest gift of all, a loving home.
From tiny Pomeranians to sleek lurchers and golden-oldie terriers, these are the 12 Strays of Christmas, each with their own story, charm, and a hopeful heart for a happy new year.
Animal behaviour consultant Andrew Hale of Pet Remedy says the festive season is the perfect time to reflect on what dogs truly need.
“Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do, but it’s also a responsibility,” he explains. “Their emotional wellbeing must come first. A new home, new routines and new people can feel overwhelming, so patience, empathy and understanding are key. When we prioritise how a dog feels, everything else falls into place. We put emotional wellbeing at the heart of all the resources that we give to our rescue partners.”
Pet Remedy created its UK-wide trusted shelter map this year to help guide future adopters towards reputable, ethical rescues.
“We set up the map to make it easier for people to find shelters that put welfare at the heart of everything,” Andrew says. “Every dog deserves safety, compassion and a chance to thrive, and we want adopters to feel confident that they’re supporting organisations who uphold the very best standards.”
He added: “Dogs don’t arrive knowing our routines or expectations. Give them time, create safe spaces and go at their pace. Building trust is the greatest gift you can give.”
Here are the 12 wonderful dogs hoping 2026 will be their year.
1. Hallie, 4 – Cheltenham Animal Shelter
A sweet, calm ex-racing greyhound known for her signature lean. Hallie could live with respectful children 10+ and potentially another sighthound. She loves company and struggles when left alone, so needs someone home most of the time. With a typical greyhound prey drive she cannot live with cats or small animals. Gentle, foodie-loving and cuddly, Hallie is ready for a soft bed and a peaceful retirement.
2. Oz, 3 – Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Energetic, intelligent and full of affection, Oz has even completed an IMDT training course. He thrives on puzzles and fun training sessions, needing an active, adult-only home with a spacious garden. Friendly and excitable, he settles beautifully once he trusts you. He must be the only pet and doesn’t like long periods alone, but for an owner seeking a bright, playful soulmate, Oz could be “the one”.
3. Ivy, 4 – Cheltenham Animal Shelter
A friendly, affectionate lurcher who loves cuddles and meeting new people. Ivy could live with children 10+ and possibly another sighthound, but due to her strong prey drive she cannot live with cats or small animals. A secure garden is essential as she can jump high when excited. She struggles with being alone and needs a home where someone is around most of the time. Sweet, sociable and gentle, Ivy is ready for a family filled with warmth and kindness.
4. Lady, 14 – National Animal Welfare Trust
A gentle, well-mannered Jack Russell Terrier cross seeking a quiet home for her golden years. She prefers gentle potters over long walks and adores relaxed company. Lady could live with polite children but needs to be the only dog, despite being friendly on walks. Her adorable “morning tap dance” has already won staff over. She’s hoping to spend her twilight years with someone who loves peaceful companionship as much as she does.
5. Mowgli, almost 2 – Cheltenham Animal Shelter
A lively, intelligent terrier who loves tug games, adventures and cheese. Mowgli needs an experienced, adult-only home, or one with children 16+. He thrives on mental stimulation and requires a secure garden. Walks can overwhelm him around other animals, so quiet areas suit him best. Vocal with visitors but affectionate once settled, he struggles being left alone. With the right support, Mowgli will be a funny, loving companion with a big personality.
6. Luna, 5 – National Animal Welfare Trust
A spirited Chihuahua cross with a bold personality. Luna can find the world overwhelming, so she needs a patient, confident, adult-only home. Once she trusts you, she’s loyal, affectionate and enjoys walks and mental challenges. She must be the only pet, as she prefers all the attention. In the right environment, Luna will blossom into a devoted little friend.
7. Rolo, 1 – Cheltenham Animal Shelter
A young, affectionate lurcher with a constantly wagging tail. Rolo loves squeaky toys, zoomies and treats. He could live with children 10+, though he can be bouncy when excited. He must live without cats and should be the only dog, though he’s polite with dogs out and about. Able to be left for short periods, Rolo is bright, cuddly and ready to bring joy to his forever home.
8. Dexter, 4 – Cheltenham Animal Shelter
A lively, affectionate Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross with a huge heart, Dexter loves belly rubs, toys and showing off his “sit and paw”. Friendly and enthusiastic, he can be bouncy, so he needs a home with children 16+. Everything in life is still new to him, but he’s clever, curious and eager to learn, though strong on the lead. He needs to be the only pet and struggles being left alone. With someone around most of the time, he’ll be the most devoted companion.
9. Daizy, 4 – Animals in Distress
This beautiful Pomeranian is sweet, sensitive and looking for a calm home where she can be the only pet. Nervous around children and other dogs, she needs a household with teenagers or older. Daizy can’t cope with being left alone for long, but with patient support she’s growing in confidence every day. She’s ready for the safe, loving home she deserves.
10. Bonnie, 3 – Animals in Distress
A Springer Spaniel–Labrador cross full of cuddles, character and goofy charm. Bonnie needs an active, adult-only home and someone around most of the time. Sociable with dogs on walks but happier as the only pet, she can’t live with cats. She occasionally struggles with sharing items, so patient training is important. Affectionate and playful once she trusts you, Bonnie has so much love to give.
11. Marley, 3 – Cheltenham Animal Shelter
An affectionate Cocker Spaniel with a trademark full-body wiggle. Marley loves exploring on walks and could potentially live with a calm, well-socialised dog, though not cats. Sensitive to new situations, he needs a home with children 12+ who can help build his confidence. A secure garden is a must for his zoomies. Playful and loving, Marley is ready to bring warmth and joy to a committed family.
12. Otis, 5 – Animals in Distress
A sensitive Labrador cross who has made huge progress in rescue. Otis needs an experienced, adult-only home that understands his gentle nature. He thrives on calm environments, patient training and puzzle games, and must be the only pet. With mild hip dysplasia he needs gentle exercise, but he still enjoys his walks. With the right family Otis will be a loyal, deeply rewarding companion.
Find out more at www.petremedy.co.uk
