Dogs Trust Manchester has celebrated its sixth birthday – and finding forever homes for thousands of rescue dogs.
Since opening on 23 October 214, the Denton-based rehoming centre has found homes for 4,897 dogs. It was only a matter of days after opening before they were celebrating finding a forever home for their 100th homeless hound, tri-colour Border Collie, Patch.
Patch, now eight, was adopted by George and Kathy Galea from Stockport and since then they have enjoyed many adventures together.
Kathy says: “He is absolutely lovely, and we are so glad to have him in our life. He loves everyone and particularly like going on holiday to the Lake District. When he sees the hills, he starts wagging his tail in excitement.
“He still loves playing fetch and he makes us laugh every day. We have been shielding for several months and he has been the best company anyone could wish for. He makes us very, very happy. We would encourage anyone wanting to welcome a dog into their lives to adopt and give a gorgeous rescue dog like Patch, the home they deserve.”
The most popular breeds that have been rehomed from Dogs Trust Manchester have been Crossbreeds, followed by Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Jack Russells with rarer breeds including Portuguese Sheepdogs, Leonbergers and Boerboels also finding themselves at the centre.
More than 400 dogs have been cared for by volunteer foster carers before heading home, meaning they have been able to continue to enjoy their home comforts whilst waiting for their special someone to adopt them.
Dawn Bishop, Dogs Trust Manchester Manager, says: “Just like Patch, almost 5,000 dogs have found a new forever home thanks to dog-lovers from across the region and beyond. We have had owners travel from north Scotland, the Lake District and many other parts of the country to adopt one of our beautiful dogs and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, whether that’s through volunteering, supporting our events or of course, choosing to adopt.”
One of the dogs currently at the rehoming centre waiting to find their perfect family is two-year old Lurcher Collie Cross, Rashford, who was given first bite of the special doggie birthday cake.
Dawn adds: “Rashford is a lovely young boy. He is really playful and particularly likes chasing tennis balls or playing tug and he loves heading out for a day trip. He does have a sensitive side, so he likes to take his time to get to know you, but he is gaining confidence every day and once he has built a bond with you, he is very affectionate. His ideal home would be one where he is the only dog and there are no cats or small furries has he has a high prey drive, but he could live with children aged fourteen and over.
“We estimate that up to 40,000 more dogs could be at risk of abandonment as a result of the coronavirus crisis, but just like we’re here for Rashford, we will be here to help dogs in need. As has been the case for the last six years, we will do everything we can to change the tale for Rashford and all the dogs that come to Dogs Trust Manchester in the months and years to come, making sure they all find the new forever family they deserve.”
To find out more about Rashford and all the dogs waiting for their forever homes, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk
