TIME TO ADOPT?
Give a dog a fur-ever home and you might never be lonely again…
As the Covid pandemic continues, loneliness is becoming a big problem but there is a solution, exclusively for the over-55s. CareDogs is a brand-new charity aimed at stopping social isolation with the help of furry friends!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
CareDogs is inviting people to either register themselves or someone they think will benefit from having a rescue dog.
The next step is a phone consultation to see how the charity can help a potential owner.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ADOPTING A DOG?
From reducing anxiety levels to increasing your own fitness, the benefits of being a pet owner are many.
Delphine Chui, CareDogs’ founder, explains ‘I’ve experienced first-hand the many ways a canine companion can improve mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s our goal to bring those benefits to the people in society who need it most.’ It also has the benefit of increasing the number of older rescue dog adoptions.
IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?
Lockdown has been tough on us all, but for those already experiencing social isolation – there are over two million over-55s living alone in the UK – it’s an extra challenge. Adopting a dog can help you get out and about and possibly make new friends in your community – dog owners are a friendly bunch.
HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?
If you’re not ready to take on the responsibility of a dog full-time, there’s the option of volunteering to become a dog walker, or to help the charity behind-thescenes in an effort to raise funds. You need to be aged 18 or over, and Covid-19 regulations apply. CareDogs is also arranging quarterly dog-themed drawing classes on Zoom with artist Caz Watts, details of which can be found on their newsletter, if you sign up online.
For more information on how you can help or benefit from CareDogs, visit caredogs.org.uk