Old age pooch seeks loving new home

With this weekend celebrating Grandparents Day, Sunday 1 October, Dogs Trust Manchester is shining a spotlight on its OAPs (Old Age Pooches) in the hope that people with a dog-shaped hole in their lives will open their homes as well as their hearts to a gorgeous golden oldie.

Since June this year, almost 40% of people wanting to adopt a dog from Dogs Trust were looking for a four-legged friend under six months, compared to just 10% looking for a dog aged 8 and over.* But the Dogs Trust Manchester team are hoping that these golden oldies will buck the trend and prove every dog really does have its day.    

Lisa Eardley, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, 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.”  

One of the golden oldies currently waiting for his forever home is 11-year-old Crossbreed Rascal. Rascal would love a home where he won’t be troubled by neighbouring dogs and can be walked in quiet areas as he’s not a fan of other four-legged friends, but he loves people and could live in a family with children aged eight or over. He is a big softie and loves to snuggle up with his teddy bears, that’s when he’s not enjoying his other favourite things in life which are relaxing in the garden or enjoying his favourite foodie treat – ham.  

Lisa says: “Grandparents Day gives us the chance to put our golden oldies in the spotlight and we’re hoping this weekend sees Rascal’s special someone fall in love with him and realise he is their forever four-legged friend.” 

If you think you could help Dogs Trust Manchester show that age is just a number, you can find out more about Rascal and all the other golden oldies looking for somewhere to rest their paws at www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester