With this weekend marking the International Day of Older Persons, on Saturday 1st and Grandparents’ Day on Sunday 2nd October, Dogs Trust Loughborough is shining a spotlight on its Old Age Pooches (OAP’s) in the hope that people will open their homes as well as their hearts and welcome an older dog into their lives.
Whilst many people often want to rehome younger dogs and puppies, older dogs have just as much love to give the right owners and these refined older pooches make the perfect canine companions for people looking to provide a cosy retirement home for them to spend their golden years in.
Celine Di Crocco, Manager at Dogs Trust Loughborough said: “Sometimes older dogs can be overlooked in favour of younger pups, but they deserve just as much attention and care from new owners as their younger counterparts.
“There are lots of benefits of rehoming an Old Age Pooch. Often older dogs don’t need quite as much exercise and although they can be a little less energetic, senior canines can be just as fun and playful. Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too, but you can certainly still teach an old dog new tricks.
“They can also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle in the evening”.
The top 3 breeds of older dogs (aged 8 and over) that were taken in across all Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres between August 2021-2022 were Jack Russell Terriers, Crossbreeds and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Three golden oldies at Dogs Trust Loughborough are looking for loving new homes to rest their paws in:
Oscar, a ten-year-old Border Collie (main image above), who is very affectionate and loves snuggling up to his people, once he lets you into his friendship circle! Oscar always has food at the forefront of his mind which makes him a great training buddy. He enjoys using his brain and learning new things as well as all the simple things that home life has to offer. Despite his age, he is still very active on his paws and up for playing or heading out on adventures! He would benefit from being the only pet, in an adult-only home, where he can be the focus of his family.
Phil, an eight-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is a super affectionate snuggle buddy! Not only is he full of love – but he is super intelligent and extremely handsome.
Although he would like to be the only dog in the home, Phil enjoys socialising with other dogs on walks. Phil would benefit from an adult-only home and is available for foster if you cannot commit to adoption. If you have a staffie shaped hole in your life, then Phil may be the ‘pawfect’ dog for you.
Ziggy, an eight-year-old Crossbreed (pictured below), who despite his age, still has plenty of enthusiasm to offer his new family! Once he gets to know you; he is very loving and enjoys a good fuss. He is very partial to a tasty treat, which is perfect for getting to know him and gaining his trust. Ziggy thoroughly enjoys adventurous sniffy walks and making some like-minded doggy friends along the way! He can live with teenagers, aged fifteen and over, and would prefer to be the only pet in the home.
If you think you could help Dogs Trust Loughborough show that age is just a number by rehoming an older dog, please visit:www.dogstrust.org.uk
Over recent months, Dogs Trust has received a record number of calls from people needing to rehome their dogs in the face of the new cost of everyday living. To be there for all dogs who need help, the charity is looking for dedicated foster carers who can offer immediate support and help out with cuddles and a comfy sofa until they find their forever home. If you’re a dog lover, but not able to take on the commitment of rehoming a dog, but would be interested in fostering a golden oldie like Phil, please visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/fostering
