Rescue puppies visit Aston Villa training ground and charm players

Four rescued Cocker Spaniel mix puppies from Birmingham Dogs Home visited Aston Villa's training ground and have been reserved for adoption; older dogs Rory and Aspen also met the players and remain available for rehoming.

Rescue puppies and older dogs from Birmingham Dogs Home visited Aston Villa's training ground after the men's first-team session at Bodymoor Heath. Four Cocker Spaniel mix puppies, nearly ten weeks old, wore Aston Villa bandanas with player numbers. The charity reports the puppies were surrendered very young, arrived underweight and unwell, and were hand-reared by staff. Players also spent calm, unhurried time with older dogs Rory and Aspen, who remain in the centre's care. Key details: - Four rescue puppies, Cocker Spaniel mixes, nearly ten weeks old, wore Aston Villa bandanas and have been reserved for adoption. - The puppies were surrendered very young, arrived underweight and severely unwell, and were hand-reared by Birmingham Dogs Home staff. - Older dogs Rory and Aspen met the players and are still awaiting rehoming. - Players present included Ollie Watkins, Emi Martínez, Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings, Tammy Abraham and captain John McGinn. - Birmingham Dogs Home currently has 166 homeless dogs in its care and supports more than 2,000 dogs each year across the West Midlands. - The average dog waits around three months to be rehomed, while older dogs often wait much longer. Summary: The visit highlighted the partnership between Aston Villa and Birmingham Dogs Home and brought attention to both young and older rescue dogs. The charity says the visit builds on previous collaborations with the club and is hoped to encourage support for dogs who are still waiting for homes.