THREE pooches in need of new homes are looking for perfect pals.

Staff at Dogs Trust Merseyside are hoping Friendship Day on August 7 will bring some of its longest-stay four-legged friends a stroke of luck.

Lurcher Paddy, collie cross Max and crossbreed Raffa have all been searching for their own forever friend of the two-legged kind for several years, with Max and Raffa finding themselves homeless for the second time in their lives.

But sadly despite hundreds of dog-lovers visiting the rehoming centre, nobody has offered the hand of friendship to them, and the team can’t understand why.

Dogs Trust Merseyside manager Georgina Lowery said: “We all benefit from having great friends that we can share ups and downs with, and it’s the same for man’s best friend. Dogs are the most loving, loyal companions who can be relied on to be there to greet you with a wagging tail, often even if you’ve only been away a moment! They listen to all your stories, never judging, and they can bring a smile to your face at any time. Who could ask for more from a friendship?

“We can’t understand why Raffa, Paddy and Max haven’t found their perfect pals yet but we’re really hoping that as the joy of friendship is celebrated across the world, they will be shaking paws with their special someone soon.”

Eight-year-old Raffa was originally handed over to the centre as a puppy as part of an unwanted litter and similarly ten-year-old Max, who was adopted from the centre six years ago, has also found himself without a forever home again after his owner fell ill and could no longer look after him. Both of these handsome hounds are looking for adult only homes.

Paddy, who is almost three, has spent nearly two years at the centre waiting for his special someone and he is hoping his new best friends will be a family with children aged 13 or over who will welcome him into their hearts and homes 

Georgina added: “It would be wonderful if we could see them heading to their new homes in time to enjoy the special day. It would be the happiest of goodbyes for us and the start of a wonderful friendship for life for them.”

If you can be the perfect pal these pooches are looking for, call 0300 303 0292 or visit them at the centre on Whiston Lane, Huyton, L36 6HP.

To find out more vist www.dogstrust.org.uk