Whenever Bobby, a mixed-breed Labrador, sees children he rolls on the floor waiting to be cuddled, squished and climbed upon by the lively little people.

“He loves children. It’s incredible. In fact, we used to take him with us during the Skola Sajf activities when we went to summer schools to teach children about animals. Il-Bobby, as we call him, was one of the team,” animal welfare officer Godric Marston said.

Bobby is one of about 100 dogs that were rescued by the Animal Welfare Department and are now in search of a home. This weekend, they will be wagging their tails to grab the attention of their future owners during the adoption weekend organised at Għammieri, the government farm.

Mr Marston recalled how, like many of the dogs, Bobby had been rescued by the animal ambulance after he was run over by a car and his legs were broken.

“At the time he could barely walk but now he jumps around all the time,” Mr Marston said proudly.

He said that during the adoption weekend, visitors would be given the opportunity to give a home to these adult dogs that had a tough life.

“Some of them would have been abandoned by their owners. Many were rescued by the ambulance after they were run over. They’ve had a tough life and people out there can change this by adopting them,” he said.

None of the dogs up for adoption were puppies but people should not be discouraged by this, Mr Marston said.

“Adult dogs are less trouble and already trained. We give them human contact at Għammieri so they know how to behave around people and will easily adapt into a loving home,” he said.

The adoption weekend will be held at Għammieri Farm today and tomorrow between 10am and 4pm.

The event is organised by the Animal Welfare Department and the Rural Affairs Ministry with the collaboration of the Underdog Foundation of Malta.

For information call 2292 4113 or 2292 4132.