Lockdown has caused a surge in puppy purchases.
Since lockdown began, many people have welcomed the change in pace and surroundings, using their newfound ‘Work From Home’ status as the perfect excuse to welcome a puppy into their home and family. But as a direct consequence of that, animal charities across the UK have also seen huge numbers of puppies being abandoned, as well as older dogs in need of a home being overlooked by families seeking a dog.
Over a year after the first lockdown began, searches for puppies remain at a high – with a whopping increase of 213% in Google searches over the past twelve months alone. Now, Dogs Trust Manchester wants to raise awareness for the older dogs also in need of a home, with a number of perfect companions currently in their care.
Speaking of what fantastic companions older dogs can make, 101-year-old Marjorie Rigby – who lives in Tameside – said of her new 13-year-old pooch Paddy: “I don’t know how we’d have got through lockdown without him. He has been absolutely wonderful company, such a comfort.“
Dawn Bishop, Dogs Trust Manchester Manager, says: “In the last year so many people have wanted to welcome a puppy into their family, but just like Paddy has proven, older dogs make fantastic companions too. Currently, around 30% of the dogs here at Dogs Trust Manchester that are ready to find their forever homes are over eight and we would love to find them their perfect families.
“Older dogs are often calmer and less energetic so although they may still be playful and enjoy a stroll in the park, hiking up hills may be a thing of the past for them, which suits some owners, young and old.
“Also with an older dog, what you see is what you get both in terms of personality and size and although you can certainly teach an older dog new tricks, they usually know the training basics and have experienced many things in their lives, so as long as they have had positive experiences, they will take things in their stride.
“Helping an older dog enjoy their autumnal years and giving them the chance to live their best life is incredibly rewarding. Owners like Marjorie and Angela always tell us that the feeling you get from seeing them safe, warm, happy and enjoying an afternoon snooze snuggled up on the sofa is something that can’t be beaten.”
To find out more about the dogs currently available to adopt in Manchester, you can get in touch with Dogs Trust directly here. For those looking to find out more about their older dogs, head to their website here.
[Featured image: Unsplash]