DOG LOVERS URGED TO GIVE OLD DOGS A CHANCE

The UK’s largest canine welfare charity is encouraging would-be owners to rehome an older dog rather than a puppy.

After finding almost half of people who wanted to adopt were looking for a new four-legged family member aged under six months, Dogs Trust is keen to highlight golden oldies in need of a forever home.

According to figures, just five per cent of prospective owners were searching for dogs over the age of eight, who account for 22 per cent of the charity’s

300 canine residents.

Dogs Trust firmly believes that older rescues like Paddy have just as much to offer. The 13-year-old terrier found his perfect retirement home with 101-year-old Marjorie Rigby, who adopted him from Dogs Trust Manchester just before the pandemic struck.

Marjorie’s daughter, Angela, from Tameside, said: “Adopting Paddy is the best thing we have ever done.

I don’t know how we’d have got through lockdown without him. He has been absolutely wonderful company, such a comfort. Paddy makes us so happy and seeing him happy is fantastic.” ● Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk to find out more about rehoming and caring for an older dog.