When we see appeals in the media asking for homes for abandoned dogs, they tug at our heartstrings and make us aware of the plight of unwanted pets.

However, there is a huge operation behind the re-homing and rescue of these animals and Dog Rescue, a new series for ITV1, will give an in depth insight into the work involved in helping these animals.

Two of the UK’s busiest re-homing centres will open their doors to reveal the hard work that the staff and volunteers undertake to ensure our four-legged friends are given the best possible chance of a new and happy life.

In the second episode Whitney, who belongs to homeless Jimmy, has her pups but they have to be separated from their mum. The staff at the Manchester Dogs Home have to hand rear them - will Jimmy be reunited with his beloved Whitney?

Ambulance driver Kieran is in a race against time to save a litter of puppies and Honey, a three legged retriever, appears on This Morning in a bid to find a new family, but when the perfect home is found there are problems. Will Honey find the happiness she deserves?

As unwanted dogs arrive at the centres, sometimes in distressing and life-threatening conditions, the cameras follow their stories and those of the people caring for them.

The dedicated professionals at these centres work hard to raise funds for the centres and go into the community to educate the public on animal welfare issues.

Many of these pets have heart-wrenching and upsetting histories, but hopefully with the help of the centres they will find a loving home.

The aim in all cases is for the animal to be re-homed, which can be a trying time for the staff who can become emotionally involved with the animals in their care.

Wild at Heart star Stephen Tompkinson provides the commentary to the series.

The locations are the Manchester Dogs Home and the Dog’s Trust Centre in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

The Manchester Dog’s Home was established 114 years ago and never turns away a dog in need. They have recently opened a state-of-the-art puppy crèche in Warrington so that pregnant dogs can give birth in comfortable and safe surroundings.

The Dog’s Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. Founded in 1891. it has always campaigned on dog welfare related issues to ensure a safe and happy future for all dogs. The Dogs Trust never destroy a healthy dog. In 2007 the Dog’s Trust re-homed 9632 dogs.

Sunday 16 March 2008 6:00pm - 6:30pm on ITV1.