With this weekend marking the International Day of Older Persons (Saturday 1 October) and Grandparents' Day (Sunday 2 October), Dogs Trust Kenilworth is shining a spotlight on its OAPs (old age pooches) in the hope that people will open their homes to an older dog. 

While many people often want to rehome younger dogs and puppies, Dogs Trust is pushing the message that "older dogs have just as much love to give the right owners".

 Emma-Jane Thomas, manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, 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 eight and over) that were taken in across all Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres between August 2021 and 2022 were Jack Russell Terriers, Crossbreeds and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.    

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

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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 until the pets can be found a permanent home.

To find out more visit the website.