Animal charity Dogs Trust Kenilworth wants to make sure every dog really has its day! They are looking for forever homes for the cute and lovable dogs that are in their care - so they can have a second chance at thriving with a loving family.
From Beagles, Springer Spaniels, Chihuahuas to Border Collies and Akitas - the charity has a wide range of breeds of dogs that are available for adoption for the right home. These dogs will have match different lifestyles and needs of people, who are willing to show love and patience for their four-legged friend to settle in in their own time.
With this weekend being Grandparents Day (Sunday October 1) Dogs Trust Kenilworth is shining a spotlight on its OAPs (Old Age Pooches) so people near Birmingham with a dog-shaped hole in their lives will welcome a gorgeous golden oldie into their homes.
Since this summer, almost 40% wanting to adopt a dog have been looking for a pooch under six months old compared to just 10% looking for a dog aged 8 and over. However, the animal charity in the West Midlands hopes that these golden oldies will buck the trend.
Emma-Jane Thomas, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, said: “Sometimes older dogs can be overlooked in favour of younger pups, but they deserve just as much attention and care from new owners as their younger counterparts. There are lots of benefits of rehoming an Old Age Pooch. Often older dogs don’t need quite as much exercise and although they can be a little less energetic, senior canines can be just as fun and playful.
“Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too, but you can certainly still teach an older dog new tricks. They can also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle.” So, here are 12 golden oldies currently patiently waiting to find families to spend their twilight years:
1. Mars
Mars is a 10-year-old English Springer Spaniel. He is a super star who loves keeping busy and learning new things, and would love owners who enjoy training. Despite his age he is still an active boy and needs a home where he will be kept mentally and physically stimulated. Mars is a big food lover which is a great way to continue his ongoing training and enrichment. Though Mars is deaf and will require lots of time and training, he is a fun bouncy boy who will never fail to put a smile on your face, and will be worth the extra effort.
2. Pops
A 10-year-old Border Collie, Pops is is an older boy who hasn’t had much experience of a “normal” home environment as he’s only ever lived outdoors. Since arriving at Dogs Trust, his carers found him to be a sensitive boy who is learning all about the world at his own pace and would like patient owners who will help him on his way without any pressure. Pops will need to live with adults only and would like to be the only pet at the moment as he’s still finding everything a little scary so will need a family willing to visit him lots to build a relationship. His ideal home will be a quiet environment without too much going on and very few visitors, especially whilst he’s settling in. Pops must have his very own garden where he can safely explore and find his paws.
3. Tilly
Tilly, an 11 year old, Beagle is a delightful older lady who is looking for an adult only home with no visiting children where she can relax in her own space as she is very conflicted with handling and doesn’t like to share her favourite things with dogs or people. She is a cheeky girl who loves her food and is looking for a quiet life with patient owners who can be hands off with her. Tilly is a really clever girl and loves showing off her favourite tricks in return for a snack, and enjoys using her beagle nose to sniff out treats and explore nature! While she is an older girl she is still fairly active and would love a home where she can go out on lots of walks to keep her brain busy.
4. Gizmo
A 12-year-old Border Collie, Gizmo doesn’t act his age. He is quite a sensitive soul, and does struggle with anxiety at points, so is looking for a quiet, relaxed home environment where he can really chill out and settle. Gizmo is looking for an adult only home with minimal visitors, and no visiting children where he can relax in his safe space. After a gradual introduction he loves his doggy friends and would love a home where he could live with a confident, existing dog who can show him the ropes and give him some confidence (though this isn’t completely necessary).