Tag: rehoming

A Mother’s Love

Dashing doggy duo searching for a home for two  

As mums everywhere prepare to be pampered this Mother’s Day, a dashing mother and son duo at Dogs Trust West Calder will enjoy a relaxing day together as they await a new home for two.  

Posie, a serene seven-year-old Basset Hound cross, radiates affection and gentleness. Her calming presence offers solace not only to her energetic son, Dasher, a one-year-old bundle of joy with an insatiable curiosity for the world around him, but also to those who cross their path. Together, they navigate life’s ups and downs, relying on each other for support and reassurance. 

Despite their past challenges, Posie and Dasher remain resilient, drawing strength from their unbreakable bond. Posie’s role as a mother figure is not just central to Dasher’s life, but it’s the essence of their family. She teaches him, guides him, and above all, loves him unconditionally. 

Kim McNeill, Assistant Manager Administration at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Like most family members, Posie and Dasher are more alike that they might like to admit. They are highly inquisitive, love their walks and if you offer them a tasty treat then you will make two friends instantly. 

“Posie is more chilled out than her boy and has a very sweet nature, so she will happily sit on the sofa next to you for a cuddle and observe Dasher’s energetic antics.  Dasher is a clever lad who is always on the go.  He loves to play and is eager to learn new tricks. 

“Posie and Dasher can be unsure in unfamiliar or busy environments but having each other helps them immensely.  They require patient and understanding owners who will allow them time to adapt and learn as they settle into a new home. 

“They both enjoy company so owners who are at home for most of the day would be ideal.  They are a delightful duo who love each other very much while still having double the love to offer to new owners.” 

Posie and Dasher are looking to be the only pets in an adult only home.  They would love a garden in which to potter, play and relax in together. The inseparable canine companions will bring endless joy, laughter and love into their new owner’s life.   

To read more about them visit: www.dogs.trust.org.uk/westcalder  

Room for Two? 

Dogs Trust West Calder Shines a Light on the Unbreakable Bond of Pairs

 Amid the continued cost of living crisis Dogs Trust West Calder is seeing a worrying trend of an increase in the number of pairs of dogs being relinquished due to the financial strain of caring for two pets. 

The team at West Calder have seen a significant increase in pairs being handed over in the past two years.  In 2021, the charity cared for 17 pairs, with this number rocketing to 30 in 2022.  

So far this year 16 pairs have been cared for at the West Lothian rehoming centre with 13 pairs successfully rehomed to date and three doggie duos currently awaiting their second chance in life.   

Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said:  “It is a real concern to see such an increase in the number of pairs of dogs needing to come into the centre for rehoming and a sad reflection of what we are currently facing due to the cost of living crisis. 

“At Dogs Trust we do our very best to keep these doggy best friends together and are appealing to anyone who has space in their home and heart to take on these doggy families. Every pair is different with our current pairs including siblings and best friends – all share a deep love for each other which is a wonderful to witness.” 

Each pair comes with a unique story, but all of them share one thing in common—a desperate need for a loving home where they can continue their lives as inseparable companions.

Current loved up-duos looking for a new home together are: 

Bruno and Benji are a bonded pair of brothers who have lived together their entire lives.  The eight-year-old Labrador crosses are happy and playful and adore people.  They both love cuddles, belly rubs and showing off tricks for tasty treats. 

Bruno and Benji do everything together – playing, eating, walking and sleeping.

They enjoy playing in the garden, chilling with each other and cherish all time spent together.  https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/retriever-labrador/3035383 

Roo and Rafa are 12-year-old best pals who have shared a lifetime of loyalty and companionship together. Roo is a Golden Retriever and Rafa a black Labrador. 

The super sweet boys enjoy affection and their soft toys. Roo and Rafa love company and would thrive in a home with patient owners who can provide a calm and reassuring environment for them. 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/retriever-labrador/3031290 

Chi and Alba are five-year-old Labrador Retrievers who have always lived together.  Brother (Chi) and sister (Alba) are a very loving duo who make friends wherever they go. 

Both are playful, Chi loves to fetch a ball or teddy and proudly show off what he has, Albi is a water baby and loves splashing about in the paddling pool.  At the end of the day, they enjoy nothing more than snuggling up together.  

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/retriever-labrador/3041158 

The team at Dogs Trust West Calder provides extensive support and guidance to potential adopters, ensuring a seamless transition and a lifetime of happiness for both the dogs and their new families.

For more information on any of our dynamic duos please contact Dogs Trust West Calder on 01506 873459 or visit our website – dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming 

Letters: Give a cat a new home

Dear Letters Editor,

I am writing to encourage your readers to consider a moggy when thinking about giving a cat a new home.

Our latest survey revealed 38% of cats acquired in 2022 (or 600,000 cats) were pedigrees, such as Ragdolls or Scottish Folds, while 47% (or 750,000 cats) were moggies (cats produced through non-selective breeding such as a domestic short or longhair). This is the narrowest gap that we have seen between pedigrees and moggies in memory.

As a result, Cats Protection is celebrating moggies this spring and encouraging would-be owners to look past a breed or current social media led trends. Moggies have just as much personality and affection to share as pedigrees, they also tend to be less expensive both at the outset and over the course of their lifetime.

There are thousands of moggies needing new homes across Cats Protection’s network of branches and centres who are all vet-checked, microchipped, neutered if old enough, and arrive in their new homes with four weeks’ free insurance.

Further details of the benefits of welcoming a moggy into your life can be found at www.cats.org.uk/morethanjustamoggy; we also have lots of good advice about acquiring a pedigree cat including some potential pitfalls at www.cats.org.uk/pedigrees.

Yours faithfully

Dr Kit Sturgess

Chair of Trustees, Cats Protection

Dogs Trust Dundee celebrates a milestone first year of rehoming from foster home

Within a year, 49 dogs have had their lives transformed thanks to Dogs Trust Dundee and their team of volunteer foster carers.   

With no traditional rehoming centre in Dundee, Dogs Trust launched its unique approach to finding dogs new homes in the area in April 2022, rehoming dogs direct from foster homes within Dundee, Tayside, Fife and Perthshire. 

Dogs Trust Dundee now has 12 Home from Home foster carers who volunteer their time by providing a temporary home for dogs being cared for by the charity until they find their forever families.   

This small but mighty team has achieved great success within the year by finding loving new homes for 45 rescue dogs with a further four currently available for adoption. 

Magic milestone moments from the charity’s first year of rehoming in Dundee include: 

·       Cockapoo puppy Ollie (above) was the first dog to be rehomed through the scheme, finding a permanent home in Perthshire with his foster carer who couldn’t bear to part with him. Ollie also made a guest appearance at the charity’s Holyrood Dog of the Year Competition in May 2022 being paired with Claire Adamson MSP. 

·       15 of the dogs rehomed have been Older Age Pooches – with the oldest perfect pooch to find a new home being 14-year-old collie Angel 

·       29 of the dogs were male with 16 females 

·       The top three most popular breeds finding homes were Terriers (19), Labrador/cross (5) and Poodle/cross (5). 

·       Dandy and Beano, named after the comic magazines published by Dundee based publishers DC Thomson, featured on TV news and in the Scottish press before finding their new home together in Renfrewshire. 

·       Murphy the poodle cross was the quickest dog rehomed, being adopted just seven days after arriving in foster. Murphy is now enjoying lots of walks and cuddles in his new home in Fife. 

·       Dogs have been rehomed across Scotland, including to Bridge of Don, Nairn and the Isle of Skye. 

·       The Home from Home team attended 25 local events throughout the year including Broughty Ferry Gala, Dundee Dog Show, Arbroath Fun Dog Show and Dundee Dog Barket. 

·       The Dundee team held three ‘Thank Dog It’s Fostering Friday’ events for members of the public interested in finding out more about fostering in Perth, Dundee and Arbroath. 

Megan Wilkinson, Home from Home Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Dundee said:  “It’s fantastic that our foster scheme has taken off within Dundee and surrounding areas allowing us to give all these wonderful dogs the chance of a lifetime by going into a home temporarily, until we find them a forever one.

“Some dogs may take a little longer than others to rehome but, as we have found, there really is a home out there for every dog. Our Home from Home fostering has also given people the chance to rehome a dog in their local area which is good for locals and the dogs. 

“Rehoming all of these dogs in need would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our volunteer foster carers who do such an amazing job.  We cannot thank them enough. 

“It’s also important for us to remind people in the area that we are here to help anyone wrestling with the difficult decision to give up their dog.  For anyone in the area concerned about continuing to care for their dog for whatever reason, please reach out to us and we will do everything we can to help.” 

Anyone interested in rehoming from Dogs Trust Dundee should visit: 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/dundee 

To find out more about fostering or to speak to the team about your dog please call the Home from Home team on 07918606722 or 07780469309.  

Miracle Max’s heart is mended and now he’s ready for love!

A one-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who is thriving after heart surgery is now awaiting his special someone to fill his heart with love.   

Staff at Dogs Trust West Calder have been caring for Max since October last year when during a routine veterinary check, it was discovered he had a narrowing artery to his heart.  Without treatment Max’s life expectancy was limited.    

Max underwent balloon valvuloplasty in November where a small catheter was inserted through a vein into his heart.  He recovered well from the procedure and is now fighting fit and ready to meet his one true love.  

Kim McNeill, Assistant Manager Administration at West Calder Rehoming Centre said: “It’s fair to say we have all fallen in love with Max. He is a small but mighty dog who has taken everything in his stride.  Our greatest wish now is to find him ‘the one’ and we think Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share his uplifting story.  

“Max is truly thriving after his operation.  He is energetic, playful and full of life which is wonderful to see. All dogs want to love and be loved and it’s Max’s time to experience love in his forever home.”  

Max is an adventurous, affectionate and active boy who likes to be keep busy throughout the day. He would much rather be exercising his brain and learning new tricks than resting on a warm lap.

He is looking for a love nest where he is taken on lots of walks, has plenty time to play with his favourite ball and where he has company for most of the day.  

Max loves to be the centre of attention so does not want to share the limelight with another dog. He needs to be the ‘one and only’ pet in an adult only home.

Despite always being on the go, Max loves a snuggle and is particularly fond of having his belly rubbed.   

If you think miracle Max could be the one you have been waiting for, then click here to apply:- 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/terrier-yorkshire/1251832 

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

Dogs Trust Dundee staff are honouring their fantastic foster carers by shouting Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

Over the next two weeks, Dogs Trust Dundee will be using its social media channels to highlight fostering success stories, real-life fostering experiences and the joys of opening your heart and home to a dog in need.

As well as sharing the stories of dogs looking for foster homes, the charity will also share all the fantastic benefits fostering can bring to both people and dogs. The online celebration is  inspired by the incredible efforts of the charity’s foster carers to help dogs prepare for the next stages of their rehoming journey.

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday, shortened to TDIFF, is a play on the popular phrase ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ (TGIF), typically used to mark the end of the working week. But for Dogs Trust, the celebration of foster carers isn’t limited to the weekend.

It will also promote Dogs Trust’s continued fostering expansion throughout Scotland as well as celebrate the Dundee teams successes in 2022 – finding loving new homes for 34 dogs.

The TDIFF celebration will conclude with an in-person event on Friday 27th January between 2pm-3.30pm at The Townhouse Hotel, Arbroath.  

The event will be an excellent chance for budding participants to meet current foster carers, hear about their experiences, and ask questions. Dogs Trust Home from Home Coordinators will be on hand to provide information and share more about the benefits of fostering.

“We couldn’t rehome as many dogs as we do without the help of our foster carers,” said Chloe Dixon, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust Dundee.

“We’re thankful for everything they do to help get our dogs back on their paws. And we know our dogs are grateful for their love and support too. We are looking forward to celebrating our foster carers in the next couple of weeks and encourage anyone considering fostering to get in touch.”

Foster carers play a major role in helping rescue dogs prepare for a happy future in a new home. It can be the perfect way for dog lovers to experience the joy of rehoming without the long-term commitment of owning a dog.

Fosterers also receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, being provided with everything they need to support their foster dog, from food and bedding to covering veterinary costs.

Follow the Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday celebration by keeping an eye on #TDIFF on Twitter and Instagram. See all the latest updates on Dogs Trust Dundee on twitter @DT_Dundee_ and Insta @dt_dundee

Anyone interested in fostering or finding out more about the #TDIFF event can email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.

Dog fosterers providing room at the inn this Christmas

Thanks to dog-loving volunteers in Scotland homeless hounds from Dogs Trust Dundee have found room at the inn this Christmas.   

As well as opening presents on Christmas Day, volunteer foster carers have opened their hearts and homes to dogs in need of a temporary abode whilst they wait to be adopted.   

Dogs Trust’s Home From Home scheme launched in 2015 to find foster homes for dogs that need a little extra care and attention, away from the hustle and bustle of rehoming centre life. This can include young puppies, older dogs and those that have lived their entire life in a home.  

Earlier this year Dogs Trust extended its Home from Home Scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Tayside, Perthshire and Fife. Two dogs will spend this Christmas in Dogs Trust foster homes in these areas with 34 being rehomed this year through the scheme. 

Volunteer foster carers also help to free up space in Dogs Trust kennels, something that has proved to be essential this year as the charity faces the busiest time in its history.  Since January, Dogs Trust has received a record number of enquiries throughout the UK from owners needing to rehome their dogs, and there are currently around 1,000 dogs on the waiting list to come into Dogs Trust care. 

Foster carers, Malcolm Rae and Judy Butellova, live in Glenrothes and Labrador/cross Seth is the first dog they have fostered through the scheme since October when they became fosterer carers.  

Malcolm said: “Being a foster carer is a new experience for us and we are finding it so rewarding, especially seeing the change in the dog as they settle into a home environment and their personality starts to emerge.

“We love lavishing our attention on them and taking them into our home whilst they wait to be adopted. Having a dog with us at Christmas is particularly special and we are looking forward to celebrating the festivities with Seth and spoiling him with a present or two.”  

Eight-year-old Seth, who came into Dogs Trust care after being found as a stray, is a super sweet boy who loves a snuggle on the sofa. He can be a little shy at first but soon comes round and when he does you have a best friend for life. He loves toys and thoroughly enjoys playing with his favourite ball. He’s housetrained and can live with children aged 16 and over. He enjoys walking with doggy friends and can live with another calm dog. 

Megan Wilkinson, Home from Home Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Dundee, said: “Our foster scheme means some of the dogs that have found themselves in our care can continue to enjoy the home comforts which come with being part of a loving family.

“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. 

 “Christmas is often thought of as a time for family so we are so incredibly thankful to our fantastic foster carers taking in our rescue dogs at this special time of year. They are dedicated to providing our dogs with a safe and loving home environment whilst they await a visit from Santa and their new families.  

“For anyone who is a dog lover but can’t commit to having a dog long-term, fostering could be the ideal solution.” 

Volunteer foster carers are provided with everything the dog needs including food, bedding and toys, and the charity will cover the cost of any necessary vet bills. They are also supported by the Dogs Trust team for guidance and advice whenever needed.    

If you can help or would like to find out more, please contact Dogs Trust Dundee on 0303 003 000 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk 

For more information about Seth or any of the dogs in Dundee patiently waiting to find their special someone check out our website https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming 

Dogs Trust calls on people to give older dogs fur-ever homes

With this weekend marking the International Day of Older Persons (Saturday 1st October 2022) and Grandparents’ Day (Sunday 2nd October 2022), Dogs Trust West Calder is shining a spotlight on its OAPs (Old Age Pooches) in the hope that people will open their homes as well as their hearts by rehoming an older dog.  

 Whilst many people often want to rehome younger dogs and puppies, older dogs have just as much love to give the right owners and these refined older pooches make the perfect canine companions for people looking to provide a cosy retirement home for them to spend their golden years in.   

Susan Tonner, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder 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 old dog new tricks.   

“They can also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle in the evening”.  

The top three breeds of older dogs (aged 8 and over) that were taken in across all Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres between August 2021-22 were Jack Russell Terriers, Crossbreed and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.  

One such Staffordshire Bull Terrier at West Calder Rehoming Centre looking for a loving new home to rest their paws is Brooke. 

Brooke is an incredibly friendly and loving girl with people.  She loves attention, getting lots of fuss and is partial to a belly rub and ear scratch.

Brooke may be 11 years old, but she still enjoys going for walks and playing with her toys especially catching her ball or playing tug. Brooke is very clever and knows how to sit, lie-down and give a paw.

She walks well on her lead and will happily jump in the car to go on a new adventure. Brooke is not so keen on other dogs, preferring to keep her distance from them.  She could live with children aged 14 and over.   

If you think you could help Dogs Trust West Calder show that age is just a number by rehoming Brooke or another older dog at the centre, please visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk    

Over recent months, Dogs Trust has received a record number of calls from people needing to rehome their dogs in the face of the new cost of everyday living.  

To be there for all dogs who need help, the charity is looking for dedicated foster carers who can offer immediate support and help out with cuddles and a comfy sofa until they find their forever home. 

If you’re a dog lover, but not able to take on the commitment of rehoming a dog, but would be interested in fostering a golden oldie, please visit: 

www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/fostering   

Dogs Trust encourages dog owners to go ‘Bark to School’!

Charity prepares for influx of dogs being given up as new school year begins

As millions of children across the country return to the classroom after the summer break, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is encouraging dog owners to head Bark to School with their pups in a bid to reduce the number of dogs potentially being handed into rehoming centres.

The charity, which is already experiencing its busiest period on record in terms of handovers due to the rise in the cost of living, is preparing itself for a possible further spike as families return to a post-holiday juggle of work and school, and their young dogs struggle to cope with being left home alone, causing them to exhibit bad behaviours.

Many pups acquired during the pandemic are now well into adolescence, a tricky stage for any dog owner, particularly those short on time and juggling family life, and many families may feel they are unable to cope with problematic behaviour. Many of these issues can be resolved through basic training and education of dog owners.

Last year on September 6th, the start of the new school year in England, Dogs Trust saw an uplift in enquiries from dog owners looking to rehome their dog. The charity received 163 enquiries to handover their dogs on the first day of term – more than any other day during September – and during the first week of September, saw an uplift in enquiries from struggling owners compared to the previous week.

John-Paul Maguire, Head Coach at Dog School Glasgow, explains: “Whilst the majority of dog owners see their dogs as much-valued family members and have loved spending time with their four-legged friends over the holidays, sadly we do see an uplift in handover enquiries as soon as children go back to school.

“In many cases, dogs are not equipped to deal with this sudden change in routine where they suddenly have to get used to having less attention which means they may start displaying undesirable behaviour.”

Aside from the rise in the cost of living, one of the main reasons dogs are handed over to Dogs Trust is because of behaviour-related issues that may have been prevented or managed with training. Which is why the charity is urging dog owners to go ‘Bark to School” and take action now by signing their puppy or adult dog up to training classes to avoid future problems so they can live happily together.

Dogs Trust runs affordable dog training and puppy classes in locations across the UK. Dogs Trust Dog School classes operate nationwide and are available throughout the year. At these classes, owners will learn how to teach their dogs how to meet and greet other dogs politely, walk nicely on the lead, come back when called, overcome chewing and mouthing as well as understand dog body language and what your dog is trying to tell you.

John-Paul adds: “Dogs Trust is always here to help families who are struggling to care for their dog, for whatever reason, but we hope that anyone that is finding their dog’s behaviour challenging after the summer holidays will consider heading Bark to School and sign up to Dog School classes to help their dog fulfil their potential and make sure families and four-legged friends can continue to live happily together.”

To find out more, including how to register for a place at Dog School classes in Glasgow, Edinburgh or West Calder, or to book a 1-2-1 session with a trainer, please visit Dog Training Classes, Courses & Help | Dog school | Dogs Trust

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

Dogs Trust is spending the summer honouring their fantastic foster carers by shouting Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

The charity’s bases in West Calder and Dundee are collaborating throughout the summer to share all the fantastic benefits fostering can bring to both people and dogs. The online celebration is inspired by the incredible efforts of the charity’s foster carers to help dogs prepare for the next stages of their rehoming journey.

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday, shortened to TDIFF, is a play on the popular phrase ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ (TGIF), typically used to mark the end of the working week. But for Dogs Trust, the celebration of foster carers isn’t limited to the weekend.

Over the next six weeks, Dogs Trust West Calder and Dogs Trust Dundee will be highlighting success stories, real-life fostering experiences, and the joys of opening your heart and home to a dog in need across their social media pages. Followers will also get a peek at all the dogs in their area currently looking for foster homes.

“We couldn’t rehome as many dogs as we do without the help of our foster carers,” said Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder. “We’re thankful for everything our carers do to help get our dogs back on their paws. And we know our dogs are grateful for their love and support too!”

Foster carers play a major role in helping dogs prepare for a happy future in a new home. There are countless advantages of getting involved in the scheme. It is the perfect way for dog lovers to experience the joy of rehoming without the long-term commitment. Fosterers also receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, being provided with everything they need to support their foster dog, from food and bedding to covering veterinary costs.

The event will promote Dogs Trust’s continued fostering expansion throughout Scotland. Having successfully rehomed 140 dogs through their fostering scheme in 2021, Dogs Trust West Calder have recently extended their Home from Home reach across the whole of the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Dogs Trust Dundee launched earlier this year, rehoming their first dog in the northeast of Scotland in May.

Susan Tonner, West Calder’s Centre Manager said: “We would love to invite more people to join our Home from Home scheme. By recruiting more foster carers, we can increase our support across Scotland and find even more perfect homes for dogs in need.”

The six-week-long celebration will conclude with in-person events on Friday 12 August between 2pm-3.30pm. These events will be an excellent chance for budding participants to meet current foster carers, hear about their experiences, and ask questions. Dogs Trust Home from Home Coordinators will be on hand to provide information and share more about the benefits of fostering.

People based in the Lothians and Scottish Borders can attend an event on 12 August between 2-3.30pm at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in West Calder. Those based in the northeast of Scotland can join Dogs Trust Dundee at The Glass Pavilion in Broughty Ferry on 12 August between 2-3.30pm.

Follow the Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday celebration by keeping an eye on #TDIFF on Twitter and Instagram. See all the latest updates on Dogs Trust West Calder on twitter @DT_WestCalder and Insta @dogstrust_westcalder and Dogs Trust Dundee on twitter @DT_Dundee_ and Insta @dt_dundee

Anyone interested in fostering or finding out more about the #TDIFF event should contact HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk or HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk for more information.