An animal rescue group in Sandwich is appealing for dog lovers to take in two puppies found in a shed on remote farmland in Ireland.

Futures for Dogs is looking after the cross-breed pooches, called Bertie and Zapper, which faced being put to sleep if rescuers had not stepped in.

Volunteers from the non-profit organisation, which helps rehome abandoned or mistreated dogs, have been training them since they arrived eight weeks ago but are hoping to find separate homes for them.

Wendy Wheeler, who is fostering Bertie in her house in Ringwould, says despite their difficult start they are both loving, bright and intelligent.

“The first priority was to split them as their feral bond was so strong they reacted together to everything that was trying to be done with them,” she said.

Mrs Wheeler admitted settling Bertie in at first was no easy task.

“The poor lad was petrified of everything including daily life in a home,” she said.

“After a few days he did settle down with his foster pals and started to love having cuddles, kisses and games with them and learning from them.

“Zapper, the more timid of the two pups, has also settled down in his foster home and adores being with other dogs to play and learn from but is still scared of the outside world and new adventures.

“Both dogs are so loving, bright and very intelligent.

“They do need more time than a normal puppy and they just need a very special home with another dog and a loving family willing to go that little bit extra to help them continue with their training and socialising.”

The organisation says the two pooches would be perfect for agility training and canicross, which is cross country running with a dog.

The pair, which are both now about six months old, are not able to be homed together but must be in a house with another dog.

Mrs Wheeler said: “These two lovely, gentle boys need a chance.

n For more information contact futuresfordogs@aol.com or call 07951 769118