Dogs Trust Manchester is celebrating ten years of helping dogs find their forever families across the region and beyond.
Since opening its doors in October 2014, the Denton-based rehoming centre has seen more than 7,300 dogs find loving homes and Lisa Eardley, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, says the joy of seeing dogs head home with their new families, never fades.
Lisa says: “It’s absolutely fantastic that so many people choose to adopt a rescue dog when they are ready to welcome a dog into their life, and although we have waved goodbye to thousands of dogs, we never tire of seeing them head off home to start a new chapter in their lives.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has helped our dogs find their place at the heart of new families.”
As well as rehoming every breed and size of dog, from Dachshunds to Dalmatians, Bichon Frise to Saint Bernards:
- 82 puppies have been born at the centre
- The most common breeds arriving at the centre are Crossbreeds, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collie and German Shepherd.
- The rarest breeds to have walked through the doors, include Leonberger, Hungarian Puli, Bavarian Mountain Hound, Lancashire Heeler, Turkish Kangal Dog and Japanese Chin.
- The top three girls’ names are Bella. Poppy and Lola.
- The top three boys names are Max, Buddy and Charlie.
- Almost 1,000 dogs have benefited from being cared for in a foster home thanks to a team of volunteer foster carers
To celebrate the special day, a party was held at the centre on Sunday (20 October) with one of the centre’s dogs, Valdi, being guest of honour and the first to have a bite of the special doggie birthday cake. As well as stalls catering for people and pooches, a fun dog competition was held with competitions including Most Handsome Boy, Prettiest Lady and Best Golden Oldie and Noodle took top spot in the Best Dogs Trust Rescue Dog category.
Lisa says: “We can’t thank everyone enough for supporting us, whether that’s by adopting a dog, coming along to our events like so many did on Sunday, dropping off donations or of course volunteering for us on site or by providing fantastic temporary homes for our dogs. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of everyone.
“The love of a dog, and loving a dog, is a love like no other love and we feel that’s especially true when it comes to rescue dogs. Giving a dog a second chance at having the life they deserve is wonderful.
“On behalf of the thousands of dogs who have walked out of our doors to embark on fantastic adventures or if they’ve headed off to enjoy leisurely potters around the park and a snooze on the sofa, we say thank you. Here’s to finding loving homes for thousands of more dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages in the years to come.”
If you would like to support Dogs Trust Manchester, or find out more about all the dogs waiting for their forever homes, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester
The centre is open 12pm-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and at weekends.
