Two dogs abandoned in Limerick apartment after tenant moves out

TWO LITTLE dogs were left abandoned in a Limerick city centre apartment when its occupants moved out.

A staffie dog and a chihuahua who are the best of friends are being cared for at the Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) sanctuary in Kilfinane.

It comes after representatives of homelessness charity Focus Ireland made the discovery of the dogs when they were turning around the apartment for a new tenant.

The charity notified officers at Henry Street garda station, who in turn contacted LAW.

Marie O'Connor, the manager of the sanctuary said she was "shocked" to hear about the dogs being left there.

It's believed the pooches - aged around two - had been alone in the apartment for around a week.

They are safely in the sanctuary now, where its staff have given them names. Misty is the staffie and Jake is the chihuahua.

"They are such an unlikely pair. The big staffie was clinging to the little chihuahua," Marie said, "We had a phone call from Henry Street garda station. The officer said Focus Ireland had gone into the apartment and it had been left for around a week before the dogs were found."

It was Wednesday this week when they were moved to LAW's sanctuary.

"When the guards brought the two dogs out, they just looked so sad, clinging to each other," she recalls.

"We are seeing a lot of dogs being abandoned. We are seeing a lot of surrenders. It seems to be a bit stricter with landlords and allowing pets. People are moving accommodation. Landlords are getting out of the rental market and tenants in new homes are not being allowed to bring their pets with them. So they are in a desperate situation with nowhere for their pets to go," explained Marie.

The sanctuary manager admitted the facility in south Limerick is at full capacity, and in order to accommodate Misty and Jake, they had to move a pregnant dog out to the kitchen, and put the pair in the vacant kennel.

"We couldn't not take these dogs in, because the guards said there was nowhere for them to go. The pound is full. The alternative does not bear thinking about," she said.

Now, the charity is seeking a good home for the dogs - together.

If you can help out, please telephone 087-6371044. Or email limerickanimalwelfareadoptions@gmail.com.