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‘We’re facing a crisis’: Dogs Trust in urgent appeal as charity handles record number of enquiries
A dog rehoming charity has said it is ‘facing a crisis’ as it deals with record numbers of pets needing to be rehomed.
The Dogs Trust centre in Sadberge is dedicated to finding the perfect homes for animals who come to them when they need to be rehomed. The charity claims it is “facing a record number of enquiries” from people considering handing over their pet, and the rehoming centre is ‘feeling the strain more than ever’.
Despite extensive renovations in recent years and increasing the number of dogs that can be housed, the kennels are ‘more stretched than ever’ and The Dogs Trust are appealing to members of the public who may be able to support them. Currently the team are looking for people who may be able to assist by becoming volunteer foster carers.
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More than ever, the team need the support of volunteers who may be able to provide a temporary home for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. There are currently 27 fosterers supporting the Sadberge centre, opening their homes to dogs until they are matched with their forever families.
All of the costs for any dogs who are fostered by volunteers are covered by the charity, which include food, bedding and vet treatments. Annie Iveson and her husband John from Darlington recently became volunteers for the fostering scheme and in four months they have cared for five dogs, including their current house guest, 11-year-old American Bulldog and “big softie”, Lex.
Annie, whose route to fostering began with the sad passing of her own rescue dog, said: “We adopted our beloved dog Misty from Dogs Trust twelve years ago and when she passed away in October our house was quiet, empty and lifeless. We couldn’t face owning another dog so decided to foster instead and give a helping hand to dogs that were waiting to be adopted.
“Initially we questioned whether our emotions would get in the way and, we would want to adopt the first dog we cared for, however we soon realised there are so many dogs needing our help and by caring for a dog in our home this frees up a kennel for another dog.
“We have cared for a couple of dogs with medical conditions and our last foster was an eight-week-old pup. I feel we are caring for the dogs until they reach their full potential and a forever home is found which is a rewarding experience.
“As every dog is different, so is every experience. It is an education learning about different breeds, their likes and dislikes, what they eat and how often, how they play and how different their behaviours are.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to foster as having a dog in the house fills a void in our lives that nothing else can. All dogs and humans need love and companionship, and we enjoy giving our love to rescue dogs when they need it most.”
There are currently 27 foster carers supported by the charity’s Home from Home foster team at Dogs Trust Darlington, however there is a waiting list of dogs needing help. The charity offers flexibility for carers while the carers in turn offer stability to a dog, preparing them to be loved in their future home.
Jade Heaviside, Coordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Darlington, says: “We are facing a crisis as our kennel space in the North East is really stretched. We need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible.
“Fostering a dog is a great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own. It offers flexibility and we cover all essential costs. By volunteering you will be playing the most important role, giving stability, love and care to a dog in need as you prepare them for life in their forever home.
“Our foster carers give our dogs valuable experience of home life, and they get to know what makes them tick; they can tell us everything from what are their favourite toys and treats to the kind of walks they enjoy to where they like to sleep. All this information gives us the best chance of ensuring our fantastic rescue dogs find their ideal forever home. If you think you can open your heart and your home to help a dog get back on their paws, we would love to hear from you.”
All foster carers must be 18 years or over and either have their own garden or access to an outside space. Foster dogs cannot live in homes with cats or with children under 10 years of age.
You can find out more about fostering for Dogs Trust on their website, here.
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