Man United star Chris Smalling meets his puppy namesake at Manchester’s Dogs Trust

Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling took time out from his training schedule to meet a litter of four-legged friends named after a host of Red legends.

Chris headed to the Dogs Trust Manchester earlier this month to meet the new litter of pups with names including Fergie, Becks, Bobby and Neville, as well as a pup named after Chris.

Meeting the Jack Russell named after him, Chris laughed: “Are you a bit of trouble mister? I think you are!”

Chris and wife Sam, who is expecting their first baby, are huge doggy fans and have a Parson Russell Cross called Miley and Hungarian Vizsla Ruben, so Chris was delighted to meet the new arrivals at the charity and support their work.

Ever one to get stuck into a game, United star Chris also had a kickabout with the dogs at the kennels, including 10-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Tyra who managed to pinch the football from him, one year old crossbreed Comet and 11 year old Border Collie Macey.

Chris said: “The visit to Dogs Trust Manchester was great, we loved meeting the dogs and are thrilled to hear a number of them have found new homes already. Hopefully it won’t be too long before the rest are rehomed.

“Following my trip to Dogs Trust, and as a dog lover myself, I’d urge everyone to think carefully about how a dog fits into their lives. They are a big commitment. Do your research before purchasing. And please consider adopting a rescue dog, there are so many looking for loving homes.”

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for 15,000 dogs across its network of 20 rehoming centres.  It has a non-destruction policy, and will never put a healthy dog to sleep.

To find out more about all the dogs waiting for their forever homes at Dogs Trust Manchester, click below.

FIND OUT MORE