Help for owners hit by pandemic
DOGS Trust is highlighting the anguish f felt lb by pet owners whose lives have been turned upside down by the pandemic.
Its new Change The Tale campaign features tearjerking adverts revealing snippets of real phone calls to the charity’s helpline, where owners can find support if they are struggling to care for their dog. In one call, a lady explains the pain of having to give up her d dog h having i lost l th her job jb and d home. Other callers cite the burden of increased working hours, firm closures, house evictions and financial struggles.
In the last six months, Dogs Trust has seen a 41 per cent increase in web traffic to its ‘giving up your dog’ page, indicating more people are considering parting with their pet. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says: ‘Unfortunately, we believe the worst is yet to come and expect many more calls like this as the pandemic fallout continues. We will do all we can to help those in need of our support.’
Dachshund Dixie was found last autumn, wandering around in a ditch behind a pub in Newport.
She was in a very poor condition and is almost blind. Dogs Trust staff lavished her with love and nursed her back to health — and she has now landed on her paws with Lucy Chant (inset) and her parents, from Port Talbot.
They welcomed her into their home after saying it was love at first site when they spotted her on the Dogs Trust website.
Loki came into the care of Dogs Trust Darlington in late December. Sadly, Loki’s previous owner could no longer look after him due to the financial fallout of the pandemic. The team were able to find a permanent home for Loki very quickly and he went to local couple Karen and Stephen.
If you are struggling and need advice or support to give up your dog or would like to donate, visit dogs trust.org.uk/changethetale