A DOG rescue charity has thanked the Bucks Free Press and its readers after finding several new homes for abandoned pets.

But The Labrador Lifeline Trust is still searching for further help, as it revealed more horror stories of maltreated animals.

The organisation, which began operating in Bucks a year ago, said 14 dogs from the county have been successfully rehomed.

Furthermore, 17 Bucks households, including six from High Wycombe and one from Chesham, have applied to adopt a Labrador.

Many of these came as a result of an article in the Bucks Free Press last year.

Anne Carter, Labrador Lifeline Trust Administrator and Janet Butler, Area Coordinator, said: “We would like to say a sincere thank you to the BFP and its readers for the support the charity received following the story last year.

“As a result, we have acquired some excellent homes for our Labrador.”

However, the charity has discovered some terrible tales of maltreatment in neighbouring Hertfordshire.

A pair of elderly dogs were found in woodland tied to a tree, covered in engine oil, emaciated and skeleton thin, while two black Labs were found abandoned in a garden having gone without food or water for over a week.

The trust found them foster homes but has appealed to more Bucks residents to help other dogs in need.

Mrs Butler had this message for anyone no longer able to care for their dog: “We will never refuse to help a dog in need, regardless of age and health.

“We have wonderful families waiting to adopt our dogs and give them a loving and caring home.

“We only ever use our own experienced Labrador owner/helpers to assess dogs and homes.”

The trust belongs to the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes and is a Kennel Club approved breed rescue.

“We keep in touch with all our adopted dogs for the remainder of their lives and are always available to help with behaviour issues and health problems,” Mrs Butler added.

Labrador Lifeline covers all costs relating to a foster dog and supports fosterers entirely.

To find out more including about fostering, adopting contact Janet Butler, AC for Herts, Beds and Bucks on 01923 446785 or email Janettebutler@aol.com.