WITH older rescue dogs often overlooked in favour of younger canine companions, a Denton rehoming centre is appealing to dog lovers to consider the benefits of adopting an older age pooch.
Almost half of all the dogs currently in the care of Dogs Trust Manchester are over the age of eight.
Three of those hoping to find new homes soon are 12-year-olds Buster – a Shih Tzu – and Maltese, Fudge, along with nine-year-old Pug, Jake.
Although they currently love life in the homes of volunteer foster carers, the trio are all in need of forever homes.
Tracey Hill is from Dogs Trust Manchester’s Home from Home fostering scheme.
“Buster, Fudge and Jake are all absolutely adorable and have settled into their foster homes really quickly, so their personalities have really started to shine,” she said.
“Despite being the older two, Buster and Fudge are incredibly lively and don’t show any signs of slowing down.
“Fudge is really playful and his party trick is picking a new toy out of his toy box to play with and Buster loves heading out on a walk. He walks beautifully on the lead and is just a joy to be around.
“Jake definitely likes to take life at a slower pace. He loves it when people come to visit but other than when he gets excited to see new people, he is very chilled out and loves to snuggle up on the sofa and have a fuss made of him.
“Our foster carers say they are all dream dogs and they have fallen in love with them, but nothing would make them happier than if they were to find their forever homes.”
All three dogs would ideally live in homes without other dogs or cats but can all live with older children.
They would all benefit from having a secure garden to relax in and Fudge would like to live in an area without too many other dogs.
Jake doesn’t like to be left home alone so will need his new family to be around most of the time until he settles in, and Buster loves to head out in the car for an adventure and to say hello to everyone.
Tracey said people may think twice about adopting an older dog but there are so many positives to it.
She added: “Older dogs are often calmer, more relaxing to be around, need less exercise and are housetrained, plus their personalities are fully formed so what you see is what you get, as we have found out with this gorgeous trio.
“We have been looking after Buster and Fudge since February and Jake arrived last month. We really hope their age isn’t putting people off adopting them because if any dogs can prove age is just a number, it’s these three.
“They all love life, greet every day with joy and simply need loving families who can give them what they need.”
Anyone who would like more information or to give one of these golden oldies a loving home can visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester