The tireless Kyneton resident, a founding member of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Victoria Inc, runs the rescue arm of the club together with Jan from her own home.

"The rescue arm came about because staffies are a very popular breed, but we find a lot of them need rehoming," Linda said.

"People don't have time for them and they can become destructive when they go out looking for people to be with."

Linda, who has been involved with the breed for 45 years, said the rescue arm began in 1985.

In the past 12 months, the pair has managed to rehouse 84 of the dogs, which come from all over the state, including from Mornington to Maryborough.

They have also talked many dog owners through problems they have with their pets.

Currently caring for seven newborn staffy pups and their mother, Linda said looking after the abandoned or dumped dogs was tiring work and could take up quite a bit of time. "It's the love of the breed, that's why I'm doing it. It is a very tiring, heartbreaking task.

"Someone has to be there to pick up the pieces. You can get attached, but you want to find them a home.

"Many of them come with what we call 'baggage' and we have to try to get them over their problems and put them in the right home."

She said a screening process helped match a dog to its new owner.

"They're not just going to any home. Staffies suffer separation anxiety so we try to get the dogs matched with people who are retired or work from home."

The rescue arm runs on proceeds from club raffles and donations.

Linda's message for breed owners this Christmas is simple - understand your dog.

"Unfortunately they are a very popular breed. People really need to know a breed before they buy a dog.

"People need to know dogs full stop, but Staffordshires are sensitive and high maintenance in that they demand and need attention.

"It's why we get them back, people buy them and want to get rid of them, but all they want is human companionship and a reliable steadfast routine."

Linda said it was rewarding when any of the dogs were rehoused.

She was always searching for the right, "forever" homes for animals.

HOW TO HELP: Anyone interested in rescuing a Staffordshire bull terrier can call Linda, 0419327279, or Jan, 0408515111.