Dogs Trust Darlington is home to 20 dogs, including Bug, Belle, and Trixie, all waiting to find their forever homes after a stay in kennels. Some of these dogs can spend months in kennels, and several, such as Pixie, Robin, and Maple, are among the longest-serving residents and have featured in many of ChronicleLive's pet rehoming appeals.
Staff at the charity would love for them to find their happy ever after. Taking on a pet is a big commitment, so it is important to do your research before adopting an animal. But for those who are able to commit to offering a pet a home can receive a lifetime of love in return.
How to apply for a dog
To help give all dogs a fair chance of finding their forever home, Dogs Trust applications allow people to share what type of dog they're looking for. People can add up to four favourites to their application to give the charity an idea of the dogs an applicant likes, so they can consider you for similar dogs.
Details and enquiries about the dogs currently living at Dogs Trust in Darlington can be found by visiting their website. Here are the adorable dogs who are currently looking for their forever homes in the North East.
Meet the dogs
Robin the Lurcher is aged between two and five years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Robin is a super fun lad who loves nothing more than a game with his toys. Soft squeakies are great, but a football is by far his favourite. A home with a garden and no neighbouring dogs would make the paw-fect play area for him to enjoy lots of games and fun activities. When out and about, Robin likes to take in the sights and smells in peaceful areas. He can find some environments tricky, but he's been working extremely hard with his carers and has made great progress. Adopters will be invited to the centre for a few meets so Robin has time to build a bond and so his training plans can be passed on to set him up for success. Robin will be best suited to an adult-only, pet-free home where his family can be around for company throughout the day.
Lara the Lurcher is aged between five and seven years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Lara is a lovely girl who adores spending time with those she has a close bond with. Once a relationship is built up her affectionate and playful side shines through. She's quite partial to a bit of cheese and shows of a lovely 'sit' and 'paw' in exchange. Lara is a sweet girl ready to find a new home. She prefers a calmer life where she can take her time at making new friends and adjusting to new surroundings. Adopters will need to be willing to continue basic training, house training, building up alone time and confidence building. During meets at the centre, the team will go through her training plans and how best to set up all for success. Lara will be best suited to a child and pet free home that has easy access to a secure outdoor area.
Bug may be small in size, but his character certainly makes up for it. This Jack Russell Terrier is aged between five and seven years old and loves his toys, especially the squeaky kind that he can parade around. He also enjoys settling down with a chew beside you and spending quality time together. Bug can be unsure of new situations and will require further training, but the reward of putting in the time for this side of him to shine is truly worth it. Bug will be best suited to living with older teens in a pet free home. Adopters will need to meet him a few times at the centre as it takes him a little time to build trust with new people. For this reason, a home with minimal visitors will be needed. Bug's new family should be prepared to take things slow and at his pace whilst he settles in and continue positive associations when he's ready. This will also extend to formal handling and vet visits. Within the home it will be ideal to have an area that Bug can call his 'safe space' where he can relax and settle. Bug is receiving medication and will require this long-term.
Olive the Labrador Cross is aged between two and five years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Olive will flourish in a quiet home where she can find her paws at her own pace. Minimal leaving hours, house training, confidence building and general socialisation will all need introducing. Olive does have a sensitive side and would be best suited to living with older teenagers. There is potential for her to share the home with another dog pending a successful introduction. Adopters will be invited to spend a few meets at the centre with Olive to give her chance to warm and open up. When given the time she flourishes and really enjoys lapping up the attention and learning new skills.
Trixie the Shar Pei is aged between five and seven years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Trixie is a lovely girl looking to join an adult household and be the only pet. A quiet home set up will be ideal as Trixie needs a confidence boost and gradual socialisation with day-to-day life. With patience her sweet side shines through and her confidence grows. Trixie has previously been housetrained although she will need her family around most of the day to help her adjust to the new surroundings. Trixie is dog social and may have some pals to share walks with when she's ready to explore the outside world. A home with a garden would be great so she can enjoy some off-lead playtime before settling down for a snooze on the sofa.
Belle the Lurcher is aged between five and seven years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Belle is a very sweet girl who will flourish with calm, patient, loving adopters. She can be timid but does come out of her shell once a bond is in place and especially when another dog is around. For this reason, we are looking for a home that already has an established, confident, social dog that Belle can live with. Belle will also be fine to live with secondary school aged kids. Belle's new family will need to be around most of the day whilst she adjusts to her new surroundings. Once settled any time away from her humans can be introduced as well as house training.
Zoro the Saluki Cross is aged between two and five years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Zoro loves a fuss, exploring and having a good zoom around with his toys. He's friendly with new people and enjoys meeting them, bringing plenty of enthusiasm to his greetings. Once out of his kennel, he has been happy and relaxed, enjoying sniffing around and investigating his surroundings. This playful boy loves carrying toys and can happily entertain himself with them. He has also enjoyed walks alongside other dogs. Zoro will need time and patience to settle into his new home, but there's plenty to look forward to with this fun, affectionate lad. Zoro is looking for a family who share his love of the outdoors. He could live with teenagers and a well-matched, playful dog. He will need a home without cats and would ideally have access to a secure area where he can enjoy a run and his much-loved zoomies. He's an enthusiastic boy who can jump up when excited and pull towards other dogs on walks, so his adopters will need to continue his training. He is housetrained, travels well and has previously settled when left alone, although this should be built up gradually as he gets used to his new surroundings.
Oscar the Lurcher is aged between one and two years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Oscar is a lovely lad and walks well on the lead. He loves a quick burst of zoomies, chasing after a toy and lots of ear tickles. Oscar already knows a bit of basic training including 'sit'. Oscar is on the lookout for family who are around most of the day to help him settle into homelife. He has previously been housetrained so should just need a refresher with this. With children he'd be best matched with older primary aged kids. Oscar does love zoomies so a home with a garden would offer the space for this. This affectionate lad will be a great addition to the family.
Teddy the Border Collie is aged between two and five years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Teddy is looking for a calm and predictable household as he thrives on routine. He must live with a steady and confident dog to help show him the ropes. This shy lad has led a very sheltered life so far and finds new people, environments and experiences quite scary so will need slow exposure to help build his confidence. Teddy will also need a fully secured garden for him to enjoy some off lead time and refresh on his house training skills. He'll need adopters who understand that progress will be gradual and are happy to let him take the lead. Teddy will be best suited to a home with older teens with few visitors as he is not a fan of the hustle and bustle. Staff say since being in foster care, he has started learning how to play, explore the garden and seeking out affection. They say watching his confidence grow has been a joy, and with the support of the right family, there's no doubt he will continue to blossom. Teddy may need a little extra time and understanding, but it will be a very rewarding experience watching him grow from strength to strength.
Cooper the Crossbreed is aged between two and five years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Cooper is a fun, affectionate boy who loves being around his people. He enjoys fuss, playing fetch and bringing toys over when he wants you to join in. Food-based enrichment and sniffing games are firm favourites, and he is very good at finding treats hidden around his play area. He can begin walks full of enthusiasm, but once he has had time to settle, he enjoys exploring and taking in all the smells. After his exercise and activities, he's happy spending time alongside the people he knows. His ideal life will include quiet countryside walks and plenty of games and a family who enjoy his energetic, playful personality. Cooper is looking for an adult-only, pet-free home in a quiet area, ideally away from busy roads and neighbouring dogs. He would love peaceful walking routes and must remain on lead and wear his muzzle in public. A secure garden or access to secure spaces where he can enjoy some freedom would be ideal. His adopters will need to be comfortable with a strong, energetic dog. Cooper loves people, but his greetings can be very enthusiastic, so he needs continued training to help him greet people more calmly. He becomes extremely excited when his harness comes out and can feel worried during close handling, so patience and a gentle approach will be important. Cooper would suit an active home with plenty of time for training, enrichment and gradually building up the time he spends alone.
Maple is a sweet three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross looking for a calm, understanding home where she can truly settle and shine. She can live with older teens who'll respect her space and help her feel safe. She'll need to be the only dog in the home, as she enjoys having her own space to relax, but she can have walking buddies once she's built her confidence. Maple can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed, so she's hoping for patient adopters who will give her time to adjust and build leaving hours up gradually. Quiet walking areas will really help Maple feel at ease while she grows in confidence. She's a clever girl and loves fun brain games and enrichment to keep her busy and happy. If you have a gentle approach and a kind heart, you could be just the person Maple is waiting for.
Maggie the Labrador Retriever is aged between two and five years old. Staff at Dogs Trust Darlington say Maggie is a gorgeous girl who will make a fabulous addition to the family. She adores a snuggle, is eager to please and loves playtimes. Maggie is fine with travelling in the car so will enjoy visiting different scenic places to explore and use her nose. Maggie is looking to settle down into a calm home environment with a family who can shower her in the attention she adores. She can find some situations a little overwhelming so would benefit from a bit of a confidence boost. Maggie would also benefit from further training around other dogs as she can be reactive. For this reason, she'll be best as the only dog in the home and have access to less dog populated walking routes. Maggie has previously been housetrained and is fine to spend some time away from her owners. With a refresher and settled in, she should pick this up again. Maggie has been great with meeting people and will be ok to live with primary school aged children.
Bertie the Shih Tzu Cross is aged between one and two years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Bertie is a fun, affectionate young lad with so much potential. Once he knows you, he absolutely loves fuss, playtime and spending quality time with his favourite people. One of his favourite things in the world is his toys, and he's always happiest when there's a toy to carry, chase or play with. His playful, cheeky personality really shines through as his confidence grows. Although Bertie can be anxious in unfamiliar situations, with kindness, consistency and ongoing training he continues to make fantastic progress. Watching him relax, learn and enjoy life is incredibly rewarding, and for the right person he'll make a loyal, loving companion who will always be by your side. He will need an adult-only home with few visitors and a calm, predictable routine where he can continue his training and grow in confidence. His ideal home will be in a quiet location with access to peaceful walking areas away from busy roads and other dogs.
Khaleesi the Turkish Kangal Dog is aged between five and seven years old and is on the lookout for her forever home. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Khaleesi is a friendly girl and will be fine to live with secondary school aged kids who are comfortable with big breeds. There is potential for her to live with another dog, pending a successful meet. This big, beautiful girl is going to bring a whole lot of fun and snuggles to family life. A family who are around majority of the day will be ideal for Khaleesi. This will help with settling into a new environment and routine as well of course providing an abundance of companionship which she adores. Further training will be beneficial, including walking calmly on the lead and having a refresher with house training.
Tank is a Mastiff Cross aged between two and five years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Tank has a real passion for toys, and it would be his dream to have a garden of his own for playtimes. His favourite toy is a squeaky ball, which he proudly parades around with. Tank travels well in the car, so he'll be good for a little road trip to explore somewhere new. He's eager to continue learning and would love to build on his training with the help of a tasty treat or two—food is definitely his second passion. Tank adores his human friends and has so much love to give. There is never a dull moment when Tank is around and he's sure to keep his new family entertained. Tank has been attending sessions with our Hydrotherapy team which can be discussed in further detail with potential adopters. He's looking for a family who are up for plenty of fun and happy to continue training. Tank is ok with spending time home alone with enrichment activities to keep him entertained and should only a need a little refresher with house training. He's a big bouncy boy so for any children in the home, secondary school aged kids would be the best match. As part of Tanks adventure kit, he happily wears a harness and muzzle. When out enjoying on lead walks, he can meet up with some pals to keep up his dog social skills.
Barley the Samoyed Cross aged is between two and five years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Barley is a lovely, clever boy looking for patient owners who will help him build confidence and settle into home life. Once Barley feels comfortable, he has the potential to be a brilliant and rewarding companion. He enjoys his walks and would love owners who enjoy getting outdoors in quieter areas. He may take a little time to warm up to new people, but once he's ready he'll happily come over for a sniff and some treats. Watching him grow in confidence and settle into his new life will be incredibly rewarding for the right family. He can be a little anxious at times, so he'd love a calm, adult-only home where things are fairly predictable. He enjoys training and having something to do, so he'd suit people who are happy to spend time building a bond with him. Barley can be a bit cheeky and may try to steal the odd item, but he's a smart lad who already knows a "drop" and is keen to learn more. Barley will need to be on lead and muzzled around people and dogs in public, and would benefit from some positive training around handling, especially for vet visits. A quieter home with secure spaces for off-lead exercise would suit him best. With patience, structure, and a little humour for his cheeky side, Barley could make a wonderful best friend.
Beanie the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is aged between one and two old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Beanie is a bright, sensitive soul with so much love to give. Once she feels safe, she builds strong, special bonds with her people and becomes a truly devoted companion. She has a lovely, thoughtful nature and enjoys having her brain gently engaged with training, enrichment, and little games — especially if there's a reward involved. Beanie may need a little extra understanding at first, but in return, she offers something really special — a bond built on trust, patience, and genuine companionship. For the right home, Beanie will be an incredibly rewarding little soul who will quietly steal your heart. Beanie is searching for a calm, cosy home where she can truly feel safe and settled. She would be happiest in an adult-only home with a quiet lifestyle and minimal visitors, where she doesn't feel overwhelmed and can take everything at her own gentle pace. She's looking for kind, patient adopters who understand that building trust takes time, but is so incredibly rewarding. With a little space, reassurance, and consistency, Beanie will begin to relax and show her lovely personality.
Darren the Whippet Cross is aged between one and two years old. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Darren is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. He loves making new friends and gets so excited to say hello that keeping all four paws on the ground can be a bit of a challenge. Darren is at his happiest when his mind and body are kept active. Whether that's with learning through training activities, exploring the woodlands or zooming after a favourite toy in the garden. Underneath the bundle of energy is an affectionate lad. He adores spending time with his people and doesn't mind using your leg as his very own resting post whilst soaking up all the attention and ear rubs. Darren is looking for a family who will enjoy keeping his body and mind busy with fun training and activities. He's already doing well with his basics and would love to continue developing his skills. Darren would suit a home with teenagers and, following a successful introduction, could live with another dog. He is very playful with his canine friends, so his new family should also be prepared to help him develop calmer social skills around other dogs. Staff say that with a settled routine and some refreshers, Darren should quickly pick up house training and time home alone.
Bailey is a two year old Lurcher. Staff at Darlington Dogs Trust say Bailey is a fun, energetic bundle of joy who brings excitement and laughter wherever he goes. He's full of beans, always ready for an adventure, a game, or the chance to learn something new. He absolutely loves engaging with people and is the kind of dog who will thrive when given lots to do. His clever nature means he picks things up quickly and genuinely enjoys using his brain. Bailey also has a wonderfully playful side and will bring so much fun and character into the home. He would suit a home with older teens who can understand when he's feeling a little over-excited and give him support and space when needed. Bailey can live with dogs of a similar size, and having positive interactions with other dogs will really help him continue building his social skills and confidence.
Pixie is a sweet, intelligent, Catahoula Leopard Dog aged between five and seven years old. She loves using her nose and tracking to find her favourite treats and is also learning to search for keys. Pixie has completed lots of training and built her confidence around other dogs and people, which has opened her world, and she is able to go on lots of adventures. Pixie's other favourite activity and relaxation technique is sunbathing, and she will happily sunbathe in the garden with you on a warm day. Pixie likes meeting new people (particularly if they have chicken or cheese), so will only need a few meets at the centre to meet her new family. If you enjoy a peaceful, quiet environment and long countryside walks, then Pixie is the dog for you.
