Many readers have rescued their pets from cases of neglect, abuse, or abandonment.
With Christmas fast approaching and the rising cost of living, rescue charities have seen an influx of pets needing to be rehomed.
The RSPCA – the lead animal charity – has issued a call for animal lovers to consider adopting a pet as many rescue centres are full to bursting.
There are also many independent rescue charities in the area, giving dogs and cats a second chance.
We asked Chad readers to share photos and stories of their rescued pets, to spread the word of the type of impact a rescued pet can have.
For a full extensive list of submissions, visit rb.gy/6pij6r
Here are 55 photos sent in by Thursday, November 23, of rescue pets in the area – rehomed by our readers.
9. Nemo found his forever home
Here is Nemo, rescued about four years ago from Cats Protection. He likes his life of luxury now. Photo: Rebecca Vincent
10. Lucky
Lucky found Sarah over six years ago, in an awful state. Sarah said: "My beautiful girly has gone from strength to strength with our love and devotion to her." (First pic was when she first came to Sarah, the last pic is recent). Photo: Sarah Jayne Madigan
11. Second chances
Kerry Winders has three rescue dogs. She said Wesley was a stray from Second Chance animal rescue, and Willow and Elly were from puppy farms from Many Tears Animal Rescue. Photo: Kerry Winders
12. Animal adoption
Tracy Bowers is a firm believer in adopting animals. She said: "We adopted two little panthers last year from Kirkby cats home. Prior to this, we adopted our guinea pig from Pets at Home as his previous owner could not look after him. We also had our first cat for seventeen years until she passed away two years ago." Photo: Tracy Bowers