The eyes say it all - lost, lonely and possibly far from home. But although they may be strays, this trio now have a temporary roof over their heads, thanks to the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary.

They have ended up at the Stadhampton-based refuge after failing to find places at a Blue Cross pets sanctuary at Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, last Sunday, which had already closed by the time volunteers arrived with the canine cargo.

The Cairn cross pictured here is believed to have come from the Berinsfield area in south Oxfordshire, but according to Wallingford police, his owners have yet to report him missing.

Spot the dogs: Do you recognise any of these strays?

No-one at the Stadhampton sanctuary has any idea where the other two used to live.

Margaret Gray, founder of the sanctuary, and now chairman of the charity's committee, revealed that helpers found that the black-and-tan Alsatian cross, named Merrill, had had a microchip fitted at some stage, but attempts to trace its owner via the Aylesbury-based Pet Log have failed. She said: "If dogs are being carted all over the place, their owners won't have a clue where they are."

A Pet Log spokesman said: "It is imperative that owners who have had their pets fitted with a microchip inform us immediately if they change their address."

Anyone who recognises any of these dogs is asked to call Miss Gray on 01865 559537.