Nine dogs, of different shapes and sizes, are eagerly awaiting a family to give them a home. Among them are two Labrador mongrels, whose playful antics would bring a smile to anyone's face. The few months-old litter - a male and a female - were left in a box outside the Abandoned Animals Association's sanctuary.

Three female puppies of a pure female German shepherd are also up for adoption. Freddie Fenech, of the Abandoned Animals Association, said their other two siblings have been sold by the mother's owners, and he is now trying to find a home for the three-month-olds. Mr Fenech is also looking for a home for an eight-year-old toy poodle that is partially blind. The dog had been abandoned in Manikata.

Two three-month-old mongrels - a male and a female - were found in Ghaxaq and were yesterday travelling in Mr Fenech's van, looking for new owners. The last dog on the list is a 30-month-old male pug, whose owner has sought Mr Fenech's help to find a home for the animal.

Mr Fenech appealed for people not to abandon animals, especially in the cold and rainy weather. Anybody seeing animals being abandoned to the elements should contact Mr Fenech on 7929 7930 or via info@aaamalta.com.