RSPCA bid to pair up older dogs with elderly people this #OlderPeoplesDay

The RSPCA is celebrating the wonderful bond between people and dogs this Older People’s Day by urging elderly people to consider taking on an older rescue dog.

Misty (pictured with friend Rags) is an incredible 17 years old and is just one of dozens of elderly dogs looking for a home at the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity - the oldest and largest in the UK - is trying to match up some of its own Golden Oldies with older adopters as it reveals it can take more than three times longer to rehome a dog over the age of three than it does to rehome a puppy.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Sadly, many of our older and elderly dogs are overlooked. Puppies and dogs under a year of age seem to be rehomed much quicker and that is likely due to people’s perceptions that they are more adaptable and will fit into their lives more easily. There is often a common assumption that older dogs and those approaching, or in, their senior years will need more specialist care and will have health problems. But that isn’t always the case.

“Just like people, every dog is an individual and some of our senior pooches can be more active and playful than other younger dogs, while some are looking for a quiet, calm home where they can snooze on the sofa and potter around in a garden.

“The real message here is that we will always seek to match the right dog with the right home, and on Older People’s Day we’re trying to raise awareness of the lovely golden oldies in our care who are patiently waiting for the paw-fect home to call their own.

“Having a dog can be of great benefit to people too. They can make excellent companions and encourage people to get out for a walk which can have an impact not only on our physical health but also, as recent research has shown, helps towards our feelings of happiness.”

The RSPCA rescued 8,009 dogs last year - that’s nearly one every hour. And while it takes just over two weeks to rehome young dogs (under six-months-old), it takes more than three times longer to rehome dogs over three.

But the charity’s dedicated staff and volunteers do all they can to find all dogs the best homes. In fact, some centres including RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield & District branch, run a special Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme to help get older pets out of kennels and into homes. Here are just a selection of those in our care right now:

Misty & Rags

This adorable, elderly pair of Jack Russell terriers (pictured above) are looking for a new home together. While they may have a combined age of 28 - or 136 in dog years! - these sweet terriers still have lots of love to give. Rags, nine, and Misty, an incredible 17, may be older pooches but are both healthy and active. Staff at RSPCA Derby & District branch are currently looking after this canine couple but are desperate to find them a loving new home to enjoy their twilight years. For more information visit their online profiles or call 01332 344620.  

Brenny

She may be a grand 13-years-old, but beautiful border collie Brenny doesn’t let that slow her down! She loves her walks and a good game of fetch but is looking for a cosy home where she can relax with her new owners, in between games in the garden.She was extremely nervous when she arrived at RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre, in Surrey, but is now coming out of her shell as a loving and happy girl. She would be best as the only dog and will need some further socialisation but is already mastering basic commands and responding well to training. She loves people and needs to learn that it’s okay being left alone so would like a new owner who can continue to work with her and build her confidence. To find out more about Brenny, visit her page online or contact 0300 123 0741.

Hollie

Ten-year-old mastiff-cross Hollie (pictured left) looked much older when she first arrived at the RSPCA’s Gonsal Farm Animal Centre, in Shropshire, in April as she’d been kept in poor conditions. Thankfully, she’s come a long way since then and her health has improved continuously with the right care and lots of TLC. She’s a lovely, friendly girl who loves fuss and would like a new home where she will be the centre of attention. Although she’d make a wonderful family pet or loving companion, she continues to be overlooked as people pass her by. If you think she could be the one for you, please check out her profile online or call 0300 123 0753.

Ruby

Gorgeous German shepherd Ruby was in a terrible state when she arrived at Brent Knoll Animal Centre, in Somerset, in February. She was extremely underweight and had a nasty skin infection when she was rescue by an RSPCA inspector but is now as good as new! The nine-year-old may be a little grey around the muzzle, but there’s plenty of life in the old girl and she’s ready for a paw-fect new home. Although she doesn’t get on with other dogs, she loves people and will - despite her size - even try to curl up on your lap for some love! If you think you could be the perfect partner for this gentle giant, please visit her profile or call 01278 782671.

Winston

This handsome chap is nine-year-old mastiff Winston. Despite being an older boy, he is full of life and still enjoys taking in the smells on short walks and loves a good bath. He is looking for a quiet retirement home with a cosy spot to snooze during the day. He would make a wonderful companion and is looking to be the only pet so he can be the centre of somebody’s world. Winston was very underweight and had a nasty flea infestation when he arrived at the RSPCA’s Block Fen Animal Centre, in Cambridgeshire. Now, feeling much better, he is ready for a home to live out the rest of his days. To find out more about Winston, visit his online profile or call 0300 123 0726.

Rizz

Sweetheart Rizz is a friendly, happy Staffordshire bull terrier with a lot of love to give. At nine-years-old she’s no spring chicken, but she’s still got lots to bring to a new home. She adores treats and loves attention from people so would like an owner who will shower her with affection. She’s been waiting for the right home for some time so is really ready to find the paw-fect place to start the rest of her life. She’d benefit from some further training and staff are sure she’ll make a superb pet and wonderful addition to the right family. Rizz is currently being cared for by staff at RSPCA Isle of Thanet branch, in Kent. For more details about her, visit her online profile or call 01843 826180.

If you’re interested in offering a home to one of our rescue dogs, please visit Find A Pet online.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs like these, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give