THIS month, we want to turn the spotlight on Rex the German shepherd. He is about six years old and came to us because he was not looked after properly. Rex lived with another smaller dog in his previous home but has since decided to be a bit more choosy

THIS month, we want to turn the spotlight on Rex the German shepherd.

He is about six years old and came to us because he was not looked after properly.

Rex lived with another smaller dog in his previous home but has since decided to be a bit more choosy with his doggy friends. He is probably best rehomed as the only pet in the household.

Rex knows all the basic commands, including sit and stay and walks quite well on a Halti. He loves to be groomed and bathed, which is rather handy as his long coat will need proper looking after.

Playing with toys is his favourite pastime, besides cuddles that is, and he does sometimes get a little carried away with all the excitement.

He then jumps up and tends to mouth playfully, which is not meant nastily but could still hurt smaller children.

Best for him would be a family with self-confident teenagers who would enjoy a rough-and-tumble with a big, playful dog.

Rex has been in kennels for many months and yearns to get out and live life to the full. If you have experience with shepherds or another large breed, please consider giving Rex a second chance in life.

- Our miscellaneous unit is swarming with budgies. We took in a large group of aviary birds who will need similar housing conditions to stay fit and healthy.

A pair or small group could be kept in a roomy indoor cage. They are a dazzling range of blues and greens and would brighten up anybody's home with their friendly chatter.

- Tip of the Month: Winter is the time when old bones begin to creak and people turn on their electric blanket or stoke up the fire. But what about our pets? They feel the cold just as we do.

With a little care and consideration your pet can be snug as a bug this winter. A warm, draught-free sleeping place is most important. It's best to keep cat and dog beds off the ground and provide plenty of warm blankets to snuggle into.

If your pet is getting on in years you may find it slows down during winter and is reluctant to get out of bed and stiff when it moves. That could well be due to arthritis and you should take your pet to the vet for a check-up.

Winter walks with the dog mean wrapping up warm - for both of you. There are lovely warm and waterproof dog coats available. All dogs should be thoroughly dried when returning from a wet walk - towel drying for smooth coats while long and thick coats may need the warmth from a heater or hair dryer.

One thing you can be sure of ... dogs and cats like nothing better on a cold, wet winter's day than to curl up in front of the fire, preferably with you.

INFORMATION: Block Fen Animal Centre is located between March and Chatteris, just past the airfield. Off the A141, turn into the B1093 towards Manea/Downham Market. Opening times: 11.30am-3.30pm daily except Wednesdays. Tel: 0870 906 1426. Visit: www.rspca.org.uk