Astra and Hanee have been in Rescue, Revive, Rehome's care for more than 150 days and are ready to find their new families.

The animal rescue organisation, RRR, has been baffled by how long these pups have been in their care.

'There's no particular reason why these dogs remain in the rescue,” says canine team leader Ronnie McAllum. 'On average dogs would be here 60 days… some of them are even in our care for 10 days before they're adopted out.”

'The older the puppies get the harder they are to adopt as people want the cute puppies,” says Ronnie who adds that the 'younger and cuter” puppies reduce adopting opportunity for older pups.

'Many of the 'teenage” pups are high energy and need mental stimulation as well as plenty of physical exercise and many people aren't committed to the exercise and training requirements or have too busy lifestyles for hour long walks every day.

'Some people want dogs that are two-years-old plus after they've gone through their teenage rebellion but we don't want to hold these dogs until they're two years old.”

Ronnie describes Hanee as a social dog once given time to feel comfortable in a new environment.

'Hanee has been in rescue basically her whole life…she has been adopted out twice and been sent back to us through no fault of her own.”

She describes Astra as an amazing dog.

'I would keep her myself if I didn't already have three dogs,” says Ronnie who adds that Astra has developed separation anxiety from being fostered so many times.

'The ideal adopters should be willing to take it slow and be patient and have an understanding of the process for these dogs –especially for the ones who have been passed between adopters and fosterers,” says Ronnie.

She says that it takes a minimum of three months for older dogs to settle into their new homes.

'Once they settle and realise its home now, they will be the best bubbas!”

For more information on RRR and how to meet your potential new furry friend visit: rrr.org.nz