We have dogs of all shapes and sizes gifted into us for rehoming.

In the last two weeks alone we have had the pleasure of meeting the gorgeous Newfoundland, Rolo, who is happily making one of our larger pens her home; and the more diminutive Jip, who has an unusual ’pedigree’ - he’s a Jack Russell crossed with a French Bulldog.

It’s the fashion, these days, to give cross breeds their very own ’pedigree’ name, but we’re still working out what Jip’s might be. A Frussell, perhaps, or a French Bull Jack? Answers on a postcard please.

Jip is a big dog in a small dog’s body. He has attitude, and can be reactive around other dogs no matter what their size, or how many of them there are.

He’s a bundle of energy and sees his biggest challenge in life as leaving no toy in tact, and only the strongest of toys survive Jip’s enthusiasm.

His ongoing training will be around his ability to walk nicely on a lead, to develop self-control and to overcome his urges to chase and attack.

That said, he is a very affectionate little dog around people and he simply needs new owners who have the time and patience to help him establish his boundaries.

The kennels team are busy contacting would-be adopters already on their waiting list for small dogs and they’re confident that they will be able to rehome Jip fairly quickly after lockdown.

They’re equally confident that Rolo will be matched with a suitable new family during lockdown.

Once restrictions are lifted the last few stages of the adoption process can then be undertaken, such as a check of the adopter’s home.

Dogs usually meet with their prospective new owners at least three times at Ard Jerkyll before they go ’on trial’ to their new home, giving both the dog and the potential adopters plenty of time to bond and get to know each other.

But no matter how much you think you know your dog, and how much you trust them, please take note of the police’s current awareness campaign ’Take the lead’.

The campaign is highlighting the fact many pregnant ewes are gathered in from their usual pastures for safe-keeping during lambing at this time of year.

Sometimes their new fields can be very close to urban areas, and some are even located within a town itself (Peel is a perfect example).

Every dog has it within them to chase sheep, even if it’s just for fun and they mean no harm - and, in fact, would be terrified if the sheep stood their ground.

But a sheep’s instincts are to flee and the stress of the chase is enough for a ewe to abort her unborn lamb.

If the ewe has a lamb by her side, the results of a loose dog can be even worse.

A frightened ewe can be easily separated from her vulnerable offspring, which will then be susceptible to attack from hungry crows.

The Constabulary urges all dog owners to keep their dogs on leads whenever they are near livestock; and not to exercise their dogs in fields that don’t belong to them or without the landowner’s permission.

And it’s not just when you’re out on a walk that your dog may have the temptation to chase a sheep.

We receive regular reports about dogs that have escaped from their owner’s back gardens or yards, and so please double check that your gates are secure, and that you don’t have any gaps in your fencing.