A RESCUE dog has been chosen as one of 12 four-legged stars to feature in a national charity calendar.

Irish setter Fin who lives with his owner in Cinderford has his ‘paw-trait’ in the 2020 Kennel Club Breed Rescue calendar.

Compiled from professional ‘pawtraits’, the calendar includes stories of dogs that have overcome the odds and are now settled into their new homes, with sales raising funds for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, one of the largest charities dedicated to dog health and welfare in the UK.

Fin arrived in Irish Setter Rescue and Rehome after his original owner had a baby and feared she wouldn’t be able to dedicate enough time to the pup.

Now four years old, Fin is settled into his new home with his owner Helen Ballinger.

“I think Fin’s story is important because most people think rescue dogs are either ill-treated or had a problem,” said Helen.

“He’s my first rescue and before him, I would have also assumed that.

“Rescue dogs come from all sorts of backgrounds and really shouldn’t be overlooked.

“Fin is a perfect companion; he is happy, friendly, and a bundle of energy.

“He’s great with other people and animals.

“I’m very pleased he’s being included in the calendar and making more people aware of how amazing rescue dogs are.”

Each of the rescue organisations featured in the calendar receive a donation from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, and the Irish Setter Rescue and Rehome plans to use the funds to cover bills for veterinary care and medication, as well as costs associated with rehoming.

Professor Steve Dean, chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, said: “Through these beautiful photographs we can showcase all these special dogs and their wonderful personalities, while highlighting the importance of the work that rescue welfare organisations do for hundreds of dogs across the country.”

Fin features alongside 11 other rescue dogs in the Kennel Club Breed Rescue calendar, which was launched at Discover Dogs in London and is now on sale via the Kennel Club’s website at www.theken nelclubshop.org.uk