DOGS Trust Merseyside are celebrating 20 years by trying to find a home for one long term resident.

Since opening its doors in August 1999, 12,450 dogs of all shapes and sizes have found forever homes at the Merseyside centre but one four-legged friend Alfie is yet to find a family.

Crossbreed Alfie, aged seven, has spent most of his life at Dogs Trust and was the special guest at the centre's birthday celebrations.

Assistant manager Cath Stulberg, who was part of the original team, told the Globe: "Dogs Trust will look after a dog until they find their forever home however long it takes, and Alfie is an example of that.

"Alfie was found as a stray and is a little star.

Wirral Globe:

Alfie patiently waits while Canine Carer Sarah Waters cuts him a piece of cake

"He even helps newcomers, like border collie Indy, settle in if they are a bit anxious when they arrive.

“Going for a walk alongside Alfie really helps dogs that have just arrived but although he is a great help to us, our birthday wish is that he finds his ideal home before we reach our 21st birthday.”

As time goes on Cath still believes seeing the pups go home with their new families is as special as ever.

She said: "I can’t believe it has been twenty years. Time flies when you’re having fun!

"The support we have always had from the dog-loving public has been fantastic.

Wirral Globe:

Alfie hopes to be celebrating finding a new home soon

“Every dog that comes to us has had a tough time because they’ve had to leave behind everything they’ve ever known and we never forget that, whether it’s an unwanted litter of puppies or an old dog.

"Helping them settle in, be happy and then finding them their ideal homes is what we’re here to do and when they go home with their perfect family, it’s brilliant.”

Four-legged friends find themselves at Dogs Trust Merseyside for a variety of reasons, from relationship break-ups or illness in the family to a change in working hours.

At any one time the team look after around 90 dogs all who want different things out of life, from those who like hiking in the hills to others who prefer a long afternoon snooze, some who would thrive in a busy household, and others who prefer peace and quiet.

Cath added: “Every dog deserves a second chance and we would always encourage people who are ready to welcome a dog into their life, to visit us and consider adopting a rescue dog.

"We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us in the last 20 years and here’s to many more years of making sure dogs find the life-long love they deserve.”