A Hinson's Island couple are trying to find a home for their four-legged friend.

But their attempts since Toby's previous "family'' left for St. Lucia have been unsuccessful despite numerous advertisements in the newspapers.

And because of a raid on their Island sanctuary for animals -- Animal Green Cross Search and Rescue -- by Government officials, Sam and Elizabeth Morse-Brown have been forced to keep him at Ettrick Animal Hospital.

Nine dogs -- including six-year-old Toby -- were taken in the raid two years ago from the couple's kennels which were described then as "some pretty deplorable living conditions''.

And since the ensuing court case the couple have not been allowed to keep more than three dogs by law. They decided to keep the three oldest dogs while officials tried to find homes for the other six.

Animal Green Cross had been in place since 1978 and had saved many animals but the "powers that be'' never recognised it as "a lovely charity that tried to save animals at its own expense,'' said Mrs. Morse-Brown.

"Now it is running on half a cylinder. It's very unfortunate that some people don't see the lives of animals as being important.

"If someone wants to save them they should be allowed to do so.'' And she stressed it was a sanctuary and not a shelter as animals could find peace there without the fear of being put down if a home could not be found for them.

Mr. Morse-Brown added: "It is very important to emphasise to people that this attempt to help animals provided them with a sanctuary and not a shelter as this misunderstanding created friction with the Agriculture and Fisheries department.'' Now the Morse-Browns are desperate to find Toby a home after what happened to two other dogs taken from Animal Green Cross Search and Rescue.

Shova -- a four-year-old miniature Dobermann pinscher -- was taken and after two unsuccessful attempts to place her in a good home was put to sleep.

Mrs. Morse-Brown said officials had promised to keep her informed about what was happening with her dogs, but went behind her back with Shova.

When she called to find out what was happening with Shova, officials would not reply, she said, but she later found out the dog had been put to sleep.

And Blue Boy -- a four-year-old Australian terrier -- was put in a home which he ran away from three times before never being seen again.

So the couple refuse to let something similar happen to Toby, which is why they are keeping him at the vets at their own expense.

And Mrs. Morse-Brown warned other dog owners about letting their dogs be taken by officials.

Now all she wants is for Toby to find a good home so she "can sleep peacefully'' knowing he will be cared for.

Anyone interested in providing a good home for Toby can contact the Morse-Browns at 236-7751.