LOUISE RUSSELL
Founded a charity to tackle loneliness amongst older adults by helping them adopt rescue pets.
Still Game star Greg Hemphill summed up Louise’s remarkable contribution when he said: “What’s not to love about this incredible woman and her charity? There is a loneliness pandemic in this country and Louise is on a mission to help combat it.”
Louise set up her charity Give A
Dog A Bone in 2013. It aims to address the issue of loneliness in the over-60s, by pairing them with rescue animals in need of a home.
Where money is a genuine barrier, the charity can offer support such as help with rehoming fees or insurance costs.
In 2018, Louise also launched a community space project, and now has centres in Shawlands, Troon and Alloa – with more planned for the future.
Each community space operates a Pet Food Bank for those who struggle to feed their pet, as well as free activities, such as group dog walks, reflexology, chair yoga, art club and singing for wellbeing.
Activities are free, enabling access to all over 60s. Most importantly, the charity has a team of companionship dogs in attendance, each day, allowing those who love animals to spend time with some furry friends. Through the charity, Louise has helped thousands of animals, and older adults, to have a happier life – together.
Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell echoed his co-star’s praise for Louise, adding: “Like most people, my mental health took a beating during Covid and it was my wee Spanish rescue dog Boaby that got me through. What Louise is doing is wonderful.”
Afterlife star Ricky Gervais also told Louise: “Congratulations on the great work you do for the older community and animals. They all need our help, so well done.”