Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is appealing for short-term foster carers, as it prepares for the traditional surge of unwanted dogs in March.
The Home believes that the increase is fuelled by animals being bought as Christmas presents, and no longer wanted, in a new appeal launched on 20th February.
While the dedicated team, including many volunteers, work very hard to care for the dogs on site, some get very distressed by life in kennels.
Volunteer Manager Carly Whyborn explains: "That's where our foster carers step in, and help change the dog's life by giving it one-to-one love and attention in a home environment.
"It can make them happier and more relaxed, which makes it easier for us to find them a new home."
In 2011, Staffordshire Bull Terriers (Staffies) made up 37% of the Home's intake, and the average stay until they are re-homed is 63 days.
Staffies love being with people, so short term fostering provides them with a much needed break.
It also gives the Home important information on how the dog will behave in a normal home environment.
Many know that the Home prides itself on being the only charity that will not turn away any type of dog, but maybe fewer people are aware of its continual lobbying and appeals.
Last November, the Home launched an appeal specifically to change the misconception of Staffies.
Operations Manager Claire Porteous said: "Any dog, regardless of breed can be trained to perform undesirable behaviours."
The situation is made worse partly due to over-breeding by irresponsible owners.
She described how dogs are being treated often as commodities, and how they are even offered up as swaps on websites, for items such as iPods.
"Dogs come to us when the novelty wears off," she said.
"In some cases you're looking at a 15 year commitment," she said, adding "People do not look at the longevity of owning a dog."
Fortunately the Home has had some successes in placing Staffies into loving homes.
Fran Miller and her family, from Balham, re-homed Bugsy, who had been found as a stray and was at the Home for three months.
Fran said: "Staffies are so keen to please their owners that they will always try to behave as they think their owner wants them to and people have taken advantage of that nature."
She continued: "They adore contact with people and quickly form a fantastic bond with the family that they live with."
Charlotte Stevens, an Activities Leader at Kew House Care Home in Wimbledon, re-homed three-year-old Staffie Lucky last year.
She said: "Sadly, some people still react negatively when they see Lucky out in the park which is upsetting. If they just gave her a chance, they would find out that there's nothing to worry about."
Lucky has won the hearts of the elderly residents at the care home. Lucky also spends time with the foster children Charlotte's family looks after.
Ruth Brauer and her partner Paul Hitchen from Putney fostered Jessie, a one-year-old Staffie in January.
She explained: "We both love dogs but can't own one as we are going travelling next year, so fostering suits us perfectly.
Emma Daffin, from Kenley got her first dog from the Home and can vouch for their gentle disposition.
Her Staffie Sascha has grown up around Emma's two sons, five and eighteen months.
She said: "She puts up with a lot from them especially as she grew up with them from babies - you can imagine!
"In the 80s it was the German Shepherd, in the 90s, Rottweilers and now its the Staffies.
"My hope is that this wonderful campaign starts to educate people that you don't blame the breed and to give this dog a chance again."
The Home also tries to include a little topical fun, in what can be a stressful environment for all concerned both physically and emotionally.
Charles Dickens lent his support to the Home when it first started in the 1860s writing about it in his magazine.
His eloquent writing about the care being given to these unwanted animals was largely credited with changing people's perceptions about the home.
In 1871, the Home moved from Holloway to its present location, and in honour of the Dickens bicentenary new dogs are being given names from Dickens' novels.
Claire Porteous explained: "We do it for specific occasions like the Royal Wedding and Christmas."
Dickensian Staffies still looking for a home are Copperfield, Clara (David Copperfield's mother), Jacob (Marley) and Bob (Cratchit).
Anyone interested in fostering a Battersea dog, and Staffie appeal can visit www.battersea.org.uk/fostering.