THE owner of a small animal rescue centre in north Pembrokeshire is on a mission to change people’s minds about a certain breed of dog.

Yvonne Parkins founded Pembrokeshire Staffies seven years ago, and works tirelessly to care for and rehome Staffordshire bull terriers, and other bull breeds across the UK.

She has had heated kennels and runs built at her home in Llanrhian, where she spends a great deal of time working with the dogs and finding their forever homes.

Yvonne started by taking in a variety of breeds, but soon fell in love with Staffies.

She said: “They are loving, responsive, comical, and they just lift your spirits. But they’ve been given an incredibly bad name, principally because of the person at the other end of the lead.”

“Once you’ve had one, you won’t want another breed because they find their way into your heart and stay there.”

In Victorian times the Staffordshire bull terrier was known as the 'nanny dog' because it was so good with children. Yet, today they have become some of the most unwanted dogs in society. Shockingly, three out of every 10 Staffie pups will not see their first birthday.

Yvonne currently has three dogs in her care, including six-year-old Staffie-cross Maisie, who was due to be put to sleep after her seven days were up at Swansea pound.

“She is a very sweet, gentle girl, and loves affection, toys, car rides and walks,” said Yvonne.

“She was a backyard breeding bitch and knew only suffering and loss. She came in a shut down state, but gradually, has learnt to trust.”

Maisie was never socialised so will need a home with no other dogs or cats, but can happily live with children.

To find out more about Maisie and the other dogs in Yvonne’s care, visit pembrokeshirestaffies.webs.com