A DOG rescue is urging people to adopt, not shop after a dog was dumped in North Wales shortly after giving birth.

Almost Home Dog Rescue, based in Nercwys, said they recently rescued a young Sharpei dog who was left 'bewildered' and 'confused' after being separated from her pups and dumped.

They are urging people to adopt dogs instead of buying them as so many are left abandoned after being used to meet a demand for young puppies.

A spokesman said: "Annie is a young Sharpei and is in foster care whilst we assess her needs. So far she is understandably bewildered and a tad confused.

"This next information makes our blood boil. Somewhere out there, probably in Gwynedd or surrounding counties, there will be several families who have very recently bought a Sharpei pup.

"I am guessing they have paid anything from £500 - £2000 for the pup. Which means the breeder has made between £3,000 and £1,2000 from the Mum.

"My question would be did those buyers (not rescuers) follow the pup buying advice that is out there for all to follow to ensure the parents of the pups are well looked after? The answer to that can only be a resounding no.

"In our eyes there is no defence for these actions, from the purchaser or the breeder. Utter scum.

"Feeding off the nations insatiable desire for pups during lockdown and any other time for that matter. With not a scrap of conscience for what has happened to this beautiful girl. If you really must get a pup do your research."

The rescue confirmed that young Annie is 'slowly blossoming' but it was still 'early days' whilst she is in a foster home.

The spokesman added: "She is house trained, ok at being left for short periods of time, happy around new people, does well with other dogs when walking, loves her sleep and her food. Annie is slowing starting to play and love a fuss. She likes her walks and travels perfectly.

"We took this girl to the vets and she was a star. Understandably a little nervous but everyone loved her. She is healthy, we just need to sort out her skin. Annie is currently on medicated baths every other day, steroids for her skin and this is to be reassessed next week. We have placed Annie on a hypo-allergenic food as well.

"Overall this girl is doing very well. We are starting to see this girls character. So soon enough we will know what she needs regarding type of home etc. However we would like her to have a calm and understanding home. She loves relaxing and having a fuss whenever she can get one.

"This girl has been through enough and therefore we going to make sure she has the very home possible. We will only be accepting applications from people with breed experience."

More information about Annie or other rescue dogs can be found on the Almost Home Dog Rescue website.