A DOG rescue charity near Cumnock has launched an appeal for volunteers to help look after the animals in its care over the Christmas and New Year holiday.
Islay Dog Rescue is also looking for homes for two new animals in its care - an 11-week-old puppy and a Cockerpoo - while the charity says four Labradors are due to join them for Christmas.
The team at the charity, which is based at Glen Islay farm and looks after animals brought to East Ayrshire from across Europe, says Christmas is always a busy period.
They are looking for special volunteers to sign up and helping with walking the dogs on Christmas, Boxing Day, and the first and second of January.
Among the puppies and adult dogs who are currently being looked after by the charity are these fantastic furry friends...
Trip
Trip is a male Cairn terrier crossed with a Chihuahua, approximately two years old. He could live with other dogs, and could live with cats, but not with children.
Chance
Chance is a three-year-old male mixed breed.
He has come a long way in feeling happy around his human friends at Islay, where the staff and volunteers have given him so much love.
He is ready to go into his own home, but he needs a quiet home as he is a sensitive soul.
Nathan
Nathan is a three-year-old large mixed breed from Romania.
Nathan walks well on the lead and is very friendly. He also plays nicely with smaller dogs and seems happy around larger ones.
Pepper
Pepper is a lovely nine-year-old crossbreed.
She loves her walks with lots of sniffs and is good on the lead.
She is fine with dogs that are calm and mature, but does not like cats. She would make a great companion dog.
Roxy
Roxy is a two-year-old brought to East Ayrshire from London.
Because of her high energy and medium to large size, she would be best suited to an active family with older children.
She would be best as an only pet, as she will chase small furries given half a chance.
However, she does seem to get on with smaller dogs when out on walks.
Willow
Willow is a beautiful three-year-old German Shepherd.
She will need a quiet home with her own bedroom/boudoir, no other dogs, and definitely no cats.
She would be best suited to a couple with no children.
Willow is a very affectionate girl once she bonds and makes you her friend.
More information about the dogs can be found on the Islay Dog Rescue website.
A representative from the hard-working team said: "The Christmas period is always a busy time for dog rescues, as Christmas approaches.
"We at Islay Dog Rescue have had two dogs handed for rehoming, an 11-week-old puppy and a Cockerpoo.
"There are also four Labradors due to join us for Christmas.
"We have been recruiting extra volunteers for Christmas day, Boxing Day, plus first and second of January, 2024.
"The volunteers will be taking the dogs for walks, playing with a dog in our arena, dog grooming or just sitting quietly with a dog in our enchantment room.
"If you would like to volunteer at Islay Dog Rescue, just message us and we will arrange an induction."
You can get in touch with the charity via the 'Islay Dog Rescue' page on Facebook.
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