VIDEO: Could there be love in the air for the animals at Ashbourne Animal Welfare?

ARE you looking for love this Valentine's Day? If so, you're not the only one – these lovely animals are as well.

The dogs and cats at Ashbourne Animal Welfare Would Like To Meet anyone with a GSOH – good size of heart.

Barbara Robson, manager of the rescue centre – known as The Ark – is playing Cupid in the hope the animals will get their happy ending.

She said: "We have open days throughout the year, but having one with a Valentine's theme is always great because it's the time of year where people are looking for love.

"Some of the animals have been with us a long time and just want the love and attention of being in a home with a family full-time."

Many of the animals at the rescue centre are there because of a change in circumstances for their previous owners.

Sonny came to the centre when his owners could not take him to the rented house they were moving it to.

Barbara said: "Sonny is an example of owners having no other option but to bring pets to us.

"They couldn't take him with them.

"He is a lovely dog and loves to be taken out for walks. He is so friendly and deserves to go to a fun, loving home."

Lola the Rottweiler is a stray dog that came into the centre overweight.

Barbara said: "I think she must have had an owner who didn't exercise too much and she got a little bit tubby.

"But she's really fit and healthy now and loves to go out for walks."

Buddy and Dolly are typical lovable terriers who are looking for someone to put the wag back into their tail.

And then there is Daisy the cat, who has been at the centre since last April and is desperately looking for a loving home.

Barbara said: "Daisy is so loving and in the right home she will thrive.

"It's just a case of finding the perfect person for her."

Cats Matilda and Smokey Joe were both strays which were found after wandering in peoples' gardens.

Barbara said: "They were both being fed by someone but they had a cat of her own and they didn't get on. They were both brought to us reluctantly."

Nellie the cat was found very weak and starving by a member of the public.

Barbara said: "Nellie was brought to us in a very bad shape and got here just in time.

"But she's doing great now and she loves to be cuddled and fussed. She'll make someone a great pet – all of the animals will."

The Ark's Be My Valentine open day is tomorrow between 11am and 4pm at the centre on Wyaston Road, Ashbourne. There is no entrance fee. The cattery and kennels will be open for tours and there will be stalls with bric-a-brac, new goods and refreshments available.