100-year old dog lover gives old rescue pooch his happy-ending

A 100-year old dog lover has adopted an adorable Old Age Pooch (OAP) in need of a new home, and they are both having the time of their lives.

Staff at Dogs Trust Manchester were delighted when Marjorie Rigby and her daughter, Angela Bottomley, visited the Denton-based rehoming centre.

They told the team they were looking for an older, small dog who was full of fun but enjoyed a cuddle and an afternoon snooze. Straight away staff knew they had the ideal canine companion – eleven-year old Patterdale Terrier, Paddy.

Dawn Bishop, Dogs Trust Manchester Manager said: “Sometimes things just work out perfectly and that was definitely the case when Marjorie met Paddy. Marjorie knew exactly what she was looking for in a four-legged friend and Paddy was the ideal match for her.

“We couldn’t believe it when she mentioned her age but that made us even more convinced, they were a perfect pair because although they are both older, they both love life and have a twinkle in their eye.”

Marjorie who was born in Stockport and now lives in Dukinfield with Angela, says Paddy – who is 77 years old in dog years – has settled in perfectly and she can’t imagine life without him.

She said: “We have a lovely routine together. We all have breakfast and then it’s time for his first walk, unless it’s raining very hard as he doesn’t like the rain, so we have to wait until the weather improves. He loves his walks and when he gets back, he is still full of life and likes to run around playing with his toys.

“He loves to be stroked and cuddled, which is just what I wanted and, in the afternoon, we relax together, have an afternoon nap, then it’s time for walkies again and tea. It’s lovely.”

Marjorie and Angel had another rescue dog, Shadow who died aged fifteen, as well as several cats and now Marjorie says she feels a house isn’t a home without a pet.

She said: “Paddy makes us laugh every day. He is very funny. He howls along to the Coronation Street theme tune every single time it comes on and it’s one of my favourite programmes, so we have to mute the theme tune. He might be small, but he can definitely make himself heard.

“I knew I wanted a dog that was looking for a retirement home, who I could spoil, and Paddy is perfect. It’s lovely to see him so happy and he brings so much joy to us. It’s wonderful. We both have a spring in our step now.”

To find out more about all the dogs still waiting for their forever homes, you can visit Dogs Trust Manchester at Parkway, Denton M34 3SG or go to www.dogstrust.org.uk.