Just before Christmas two puppies were taken in by The Mayhew as unwanted Christmas gifts.

Charles and Chelsea were just three months old when they arrived, healthy and happy, but homeless.

The Mayhew were saddened but not surprised by their arrival, despite the very well-known message that animals are not objects to be given away as gifts – it continues to be an issue every year in animal rescue centres all over the country.

The Mayhew works the year round to promote responsible pet ownership and to ensure that potential owners understand that taking on a family pet is not to be taken lightly.

Charles and Chelsea were very fortunate and quickly found loving forever homes through The Mayhew but their case is thought to be just the beginning.

They are the first unwanted Christmas puppies of the 2013/2014 festive season, but they will probably not be the last. Once the novelty of having a puppy or kitten for Christmas is over, the animal rescue centres may well have to deal with a long list of young dogs and cats that are no longer a joy but have become an unwelcome burden.

The Mayhew is committed to continue to spreading the message about the responsibilities of animal ownership and to be there for dogs and cats like Charles and Chelsea.