Providing a loving home from home for dogs this Christmas

While most of us will be spending Christmas Day opening presents and enjoying time with loved ones, doggie foster carer Phil Scott will be busy making sure older age pooch, Ben, has a fantastic time after he found himself without a forever home. 

Phil, from Hyde, is a foster carer through Dogs Trust Manchester’s Home From Home scheme.

The scheme finds foster homes for dogs that need a little extra TLC and time out from the hustle and bustle of the rehoming centre, such as young puppies, older dogs and those who have previously lived in a home all their life.

Phil started fostering dogs for Dogs Trust Manchester more than a year ago after his 15-year-old Rottweiler, Roxy, passed away - and he says it’s the best thing he has ever done. 

He said: “I went to pieces after losing Roxy. I didn’t want to leave the house at all and then one of my neighbours suggested volunteering at Dogs Trust, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

“The dogs are fantastic company and to be able to help so many is wonderful. 

“People always ask how can I bear to give them up, but there’s always another one waiting and to see them heading home with new loving families is fantastic.” 

Phil has so far fostered five dogs including an 18-month-old Lurcher and a nine-year-old Dalmation. 

Fifteen-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Ben, is currently living with Phil whilst he has some health checks. 

He found himself having to leave behind everything he’d ever known due to a change in family circumstances, but he went straight into foster care with Phil so he could continue to enjoy his home comforts.  

For anyone who wants a four-legged friend in their life but can’t commit to having a dog long-term, fostering could be the ideal solution and this Christmas, Dogs Trust, wants to remind people that ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and to encourage people not to rush into buying a dog, especially at this time of year.

Tracey Hill, Home from Home Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Manchester, said: “We believe a dog is for life, not just for Christmas and our fantastic volunteer  foster carers really do show our dogs the love behind this statement.

“They encourage them to reach their full potential and giving them a safe and loving environment to enjoy whilst they wait for their new families. 

“Our team of volunteer foster carers are amazing and allow us to look after even more dogs as every dog in foster care frees up a kennel for another dog in need.”

Phil said: “Being a foster carer is so rewarding. Seeing the change in the dog as they settle into a home environment is great and they all have such distinct personalities. 

“They are great company too. Ben is deaf but I still chat away to him. This Christmas I am really looking forward to making sure that Ben has a lovely Christmas, spoiling him with lots of love, toys and festive fun.”

Dogs Trust Manchester currently has 42 foster carers but is always looking for more. 

Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/adogisforlife to find out more about how you can help.