Firstly, a big hello to the lady and gent I met on Saturday afternoon in Taunton, on North Street, along with their charming Bull Terrier, which they adopted six years ago from St Giles.

It makes my day to meet an adopted dog.

One of the things I hear a lot when I talk to people about adopting dogs is, "You don't know what you're getting."

I have to say this is not the case, at least not in my experience.

My husband and I have had five rescue dogs, and on each occasion, the centres have been open and honest with us, as we have with them.

Honesty is an essential part of the process: if you are honest about your lifestyle, the centre will do its best to find you a suitable companion.

My experience is that rescue centres go to great lengths to match dogs and cats with adoptive families.

Certainly, at St Giles, time is taken to establish what a dog or cat’s nature is, in order for them to be able to describe them accurately on their adoption website.

It would not do for them to hide any flaws or problems; they want to see their animals placed in the appropriate setting, and to hide any problems would be counterproductive for the animal and the centre.

If you are considering a dog or cat, please adopt and rest assured you will be given all the support you need to be teamed with the right pet.

You will know what you are getting.

Tilda needs a loving family to call her own after being found as a stray in a dreadful state by a member of the public.

Despite her ordeal, she loves humans and looks for affection at any opportunity.

She is a happy girl and craves company.

She is anxious about dogs, and St Giles is not sure if she could live with another cat.

It is thought she is about three and a bit years; she is small and tortie white in colour.

Can you offer this charming girl a home?