A DOG trainer is desperately searching for a new home for two animals who had to be given up by their elderly owner.
Janet Wesley, who has 40 years' experience with dogs, has temporarily adopted Sam, a three-year-old cross-Labrador, and Prince, a six-year-old German shepherd, after their previous owner started to suffer with dementia.
Prince has recently had expensive surgery to correct a ruptured spleen, but Mrs Wesley, who works with the Old Park Farm School of Dog Training in Bilborough, said both dogs were now healthy and ready for a new home.
She has spoken to the Dogs Trust near Loughborough about taking them in but claims a member of staff there told her they couldn't guarantee they wouldn't be put down.
The charity denies her claims and said it never puts any healthy animals to sleep.
Mrs Wesley, of Farnborough Road, Clifton, said: "It's upset me because there's no aggression in these dogs – they're well behaved and now they've both got a clean bill of health.
"They really do deserve a chance and a home.
"I can't think of a better tribute to their previous owner if we can get them both re-homed"
A spokesman for the Dogs Trust said: "Dogs Trust believes that every dog has the right to life and is opposed to the destruction of any healthy dog.
"The charity cares for 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.
"However in extreme cases where there is poor quality of life, euthanasia should be carried out in a humane manner by or under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon."
If you are interested in taking on one of the dogs call Mrs Wesley on 0115 846 2031.
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