At just three months old, Liquorice's short life has become what no dog wants.

Left unhappy and unwanted, the whippet/mastiff/staffy waits patiently in a concrete and wire cage at the South Canterbury SPCA for someone to take her home and give her what she needs most - love.

Although she is treated well here, there is nowhere like a loving home. What she craves is somewhere safe and permanant where she can be relaxed and given the care and attention she deserves. She jumps at the cage, enthusiastic about life outside, but looking with sad eyes at where she cannot yet go.

Next to Liquorice are five other dogs in the same situation. Each one is in good health and ready to love anyone who will love them back.

As far as South Canterbury SPCA manager Barry Fairbrother knows, none of these dogs has been mistreated.

"They don't show any sign of being badly treated - they're all in good condition and good natured. Most of them are just unwanted by their previous owners."

Although the holiday season is typically the busiest time of year for the SPCA, Mr Fairbrother says that this year has not been too bad. Public donations of dog and cat food have been generous, he said, particularly from collection bins at supermarkets.

The SPCA does not receive any government funding, and relies on donations as well as the profits from the large boarding facility on site to pay for the care of abandoned animals.

A dog like Liquorice can be adopted for $250, which covers the cost of de-sexing, vaccinations, de-fleaing and worming.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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