Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has already received its first homeless dogs of 2011.

First through the door was a Terrier cross puppy which staff at the charity have named Hope.

She was found in Wandsworth and workers at the home believe she is only about three months old. Because she has not been microchipped her real name and circumstances are not known.

The pup must now wait patiently at the home for seven days in the hope that her owner might get in touch and reclaim her.

However, If the charity is unable to find Hope’s owner, she will be put up for rehoming.

Following Hope in the new “class of 2011” was Clyde, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Clyde was found as a stray in Clapham but the charity discovered a microchip on him.

Using the unique reference number on his chip, staff got in touch with Clyde's owner and he was collected on January 3.

Intake and Assessing Manager Sean Welland said: “We look after almost 11,000 animals each year, and we’re really hoping to either reunite Hope with her owner very quickly, or find her a fantastic new home in 2011.

“So please get in touch with us if you’ve lost your pet and with luck it might have already been handed in to us here at Battersea.”

Anyone interested can call Battersea’s rehoming team on 0207 627 9234 or rehoming@battersea.org.uk - or the 60p per minute Lost and Found Dogs and Cats Line on 0901 477 8477.