When a local kennel opened up the search for a rescue dog's name to the public, she was festively called Twinkle. 

Animal Lifeline recently rescued Twinkle but were unable to determine her name as she had no microchip and did not respond to any names used by staff or volunteers. 

The charity, which houses abandoned dogs and puppies at their Serendipity rescue kennels in Cellarhead, Stoke on Trent, turned to social media where local people offered several Christmas-themed suggestions, including Twinkle. 

Emma Caskie, a trustee of Animal Lifeline, said: "Towards Christmas there is always an influx of dogs that sadly end up needing space for whatever reason, whether it is people who don't want a dog before Christmas, or they are getting a younger dog like a puppy. 

"We quite often see the older dogs get thrown out, so we have taken in quite a few from the pound in the last couple of weeks and Twinkle just didn't have any microchips. 

"We had no idea what she was called before and she didn't respond to any of the names we threw around to try to guess what her name was. 

"So we thought it would be nice for the public to name her and with it being Christmas people came up with festive names for her." 

The charity, which houses abandoned dogs and puppies at their Serendipity rescue kennels in Stoke on Trent (images via Animal Lifeline)

Animal Lifeline explained that they regularly answer appeals from council pounds to home dogs which may otherwise be euthanised if they are not claimed within seven days. 

Emma added: "Any dog that goes into a council-run pound will have seven days and if they are not claimed or the microchip is not up to date with the owner's details, they will appeal to local rescues to give them a safe space. Without that they will be put down. 

"A lot of people don't realise that in the UK they do get put down, it's not a myth and it's not just other countries." 

Twinkle is not yet available for adoption and Animal Lifeline is currently closed for adoptions over the Christmas period, but people can continue to fill in applications ready for the new year. 

Emma explained that Christmas is a busy time of year and has encouraged people who are thinking about adoption to wait until the end of the festive period. 

She said: "It's probably the worst time of year to get a dog. 

"For the majority of people, you have family over, you might have children or grandchildren over or you might have neighbours popping in. It's a very busy time of year." 

However, Emma stressed that this is "a little pause rather than a definite stop" and encouraged members of the public to consider adoption. 

Trustee Emma said that adoption has been paused but is not 'a definite stop' (image via Animal Lifeline)

She said: "I would just appeal to people to always consider adopting, please still apply for a dog. 

"If we don't have a match at the kennels at this particular time, we will keep you on our waiting list and let you know when we get dogs in. 

"Buying a puppy might seem like a really fun thing to do, but there are so many unwanted dogs that are just desperate for a home of their own. 

"Come and look at what dogs we've got because people are always amazed that pedigree dogs and puppies end up in rescue." 

There are also plenty of opportunities to donate, support and volunteer with Animal Lifeline, who are particularly calling for support with laundry and cleaning. 

Emma added: "Doing things in the background like fundraising, raising awareness, doing the appeals and coming to our events really keeps us going.  

"It's so vital to us." 

To find out more about Animal Lifeline visit the website here. 

For enquiries about volunteering or fundraising, contact the trustees at 07535186356