The problem of returned dogs is more widespread than you might have thought – every year 1,000 dogs are handed into the 20 Dogs Trust rehoming centres in the weeks following Christmas.

That’s a lot of dogs, and the reasons for such returns are even more surprising, ranging from “we realised we’re cat people” to “I had to spend an hour a day hoovering”, along with such responses as “she wasn’t cuddly enough”.

With comments like these, it’s no surprise that ‘Socks Trust’ are keen to get people to reconsider frivolous pet purchases around the season of gift giving.

The charity have created their own brand of socks in an attempt to correct the problem, and they’re not your average grey pair either – Socks Trust have designed some brilliant festive foot warmers featuring some of the loveable hounds that have been left abandoned in the past.

The funds from the sock sales will all go towards caring for over 16,000 dogs in the charity’s care every year.

For more information about Socks Trust and how you can purchase a pair of socks to support the cause, click here or search #GiveSocksNotDogs.