A REHOMING centre in Tameside is shining a spotlight on its older dogs to mark Grandparents Day this weekend.
The national day of celebration to show the bond between grandparents and grandchildren falls on Sunday, October 1.
Since June this year, almost 40 per cent of people wanting to adopt a dog from Dogs Trust were looking for a four-legged friend under six months old, compared to just 10 per cent seeking a dog aged eight or over.
But Dogs Trust Manchester, based on Parkway in Denton, harbours hopes that local people will open their homes as well as their hearts to a golden oldie.
“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,” said Lisa Eardley, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester.
“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.”
One of the golden oldies currently waiting for his forever home is 11-year-old Crossbreed Rascal.
The ideal home would be where he won’t be troubled by neighbouring dogs and can be walked in quiet areas, but he also loves people and could live in a family with children aged eight or over.
His other favourite things in life are relaxing in the garden and eating ham.
Lisa added: “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.”
Anyone interested in giving an older dog a loving home can find out more at www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester