Could you give an older dog new digs?

Dogs Trust Ballymena is urging dog lovers who are thinking of welcoming a four-legged friend into their life to consider giving a golden oldie their perfect retirement home.
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Since lockdown began, demand for puppies has soared and families have welcomed the pitter patter of tiny paws into their homes Now Dogs Trust is asking people to remember that when it comes to giving a rescue dog a second chance, older dogs need new homes too – and have lots to offer.

One such dog is Jack, an 11-year-old Lhasa Apso, who was adopted recently by Marion Jenkins, aged 65 and her daughter Sarah (37),

Marion said: “My daughter had been trying to get me to adopt a rescue for the last couple of years and we regularly kept an eye on local dog rescue website. I was adamant that we should get an older dog because it would likely be an easier adjustment for us than adopting a young puppy.

Sarah with JackSarah with Jack
Sarah with Jack

“When I noticed Jack’s profile on Dogs Trust Ballymena’s website, I instantly knew he was the one for us because his character shone through in his pictures – he just looked like a nice little old man. It wasn’t long before the rehoming centre team brought him to us via their handover at home service and he settled in really quickly.

“Jack has been a dream to have at home because he is just as besotted with us as we are with him and despite being an older dog, he is still very much young at heart.

Conor O’Kane, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said: “In the last year so many people have wanted to welcome a puppy into their family, but just like Jack has proven, older dogs make fantastic companions too.

“Currently around 14% of the dogs here at Dogs Trust Ballymena that are ready to find their forever homes are over eight and we would love to find them their perfect families. Older dogs are often calmer and less energetic so although they may still be playful and enjoy a stroll in the park, hiking up hills may be a thing of the past for them, which suits some owners, young and not so young.”

Jack, an 11-year-old Lhasa Apso, who was adopted recentlyJack, an 11-year-old Lhasa Apso, who was adopted recently
Jack, an 11-year-old Lhasa Apso, who was adopted recently

Dogs Trust is working to change the tale for older dogs who find themselves without a forever home. To find out more go to https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/olddogs. To find out more about caring for an older dog, visit dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/getting-or-buying-a-dog/rehoming-and-looking-after-an-older-dog

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