An underweight elderly dog in RSPCA care wears a Christmas jumper to keep warm.
Twelve-year old Staffie Marble was taken in by the RSPCA by inspectors in Birmingham after concerns were raised about his welfare. 
He was underweight and suffering from a skin condition and while staff work to increase his weight and continue to treat the condition, he needs an extra layer to keep warm during the cold weather.
Staff at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Dorset – where he’s now being looked after – have been keeping him warm with a special Christmas jumper.
Gaynor Cannings, Deputy Manager at Ashley Heath, said: “Marble is such a gentle, friendly, loveable dog and doesn’t deserve to be in kennels at Christmas. He’s an older chap with a few health problems and we’re desperate to find him a loving retirement home where he can enjoy a quiet life.”
Marble has some age-related issues such as cataracts that have rendered him partially blind and spondylosis, which has led him to be quite stiff when walking.
He’s also deaf and showing signs of degenerative spinal disease. However, vets are happy that he is still comfortable and has a good quality life – but he may well need treatment or medication in the future.
Gaynor added: “We’ve decided to charge a reduced adoption fee for Marble as we know he’ll require medical treatment in the future. Our real aim here is just to find Marble the right home with owners who understand his needs now and those in the future. He is just an old man who needs a comfortable, warm, loving home.”
Staff at the Dorest rehoming centre say the elderly dog loved a fuss and attention, and his favourite pastime is snoozing on the sofa. He likes short walks and gets on well with other dogs.
He can be left for short periods of time, travels well in the car and is housetrained. He has lived with cats but can chase the outside, so he may be able to live with a confident, friendly cat.
Gaynor said: “It can take us longer to find older dogs the right homes and, while we don’t want any dog stuck in kennels for long periods of time, it can be particularly difficult for older pooches like Marble, so we’re really hoping someone will fall in love with this old gent and answer his Christmas wish – by offering him the paw-fect home.”
For more information about Marble, you can contact Ashley Heath rehoming centre on 0300 123 0749 or email [email protected].
