• Home
  • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
    • EXERCISES
    • PETS
  • CBD
  • PRODUCTS
  • TRENDING
  • PET NEWS
  • PET TRAVEL
  • Advertise Here
No Result
View All Result
Plugin Install : Cart Icon need WooCommerce plugin to be installed.
  • Home
  • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
    • EXERCISES
    • PETS
  • CBD
  • PRODUCTS
  • TRENDING
  • PET NEWS
  • PET TRAVEL
  • Advertise Here
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home PETS

Scottish charity pairs elderly people with rescue pets to fight loneliness one wag at a time

Doggone Well Staff by Doggone Well Staff
December 5, 2024
in PETS
39 0
0
Scottish charity pairs elderly people with rescue pets to fight loneliness one wag at a time
32
SHARES
356
VIEWS
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Dog Food topper - Getquelle365


As the Christmas tree twinkles in the corner, a group of pensioners gather in a warm, cosy space in the centre of Alloa.

Every week day, the innovative charity “Give a Dog a Bone…And an Animal a Home” opens its doors to elderly residents and their four-legged friends in a bid to help alleviate the distress and discomfort of loneliness.

The charity was set up 11 years ago by Louise Russell who had become aware of many older adults suffering from loneliness, as well as an increasing number of dogs in shelters that needed a loving home.

She told Scotland Tonight: “We support older adults financially to afford a rescue pet companion, so it’s a win-win. The person gets a friend and the animal gets a home.”

STV News
Louise Russell. STV News

Seven years ago, Louise helped Sheila rescue a dog from Romania. After a long journey through many counties, Logan arrived bedraggled and exhausted – they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Dog Food topper - Getquelle365

“I just really don’t know how my life would be without him,” said Sheila. “I live on my own and he’s just great company. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning.”

Logan is calm and charming and visits the local care homes as a therapy pet.

“He just loves it, we go there every week at the moment. He’s a great wee dog, a lot of character,” added Sheila.

Sheila.STV News
Sheila. STV News

Over time, Louise realised there were many more people who loved spending time with dogs but couldn’t commit to adopting a pet.

That led to the charity opening three community spaces – in Glasgow, Alloa and Troon – where older adults come along with their pets to make friends.

Janice has been going to the centre for two years after struggling with her mental health. She did everything with her husband but that all changed when he developed dementia and needed to move into full time care.

Janice.STV News
Janice. STV News

She said: “This place is very important to me and all the people in it, especially staff members. They have helped me tremendously through a very dark period in my life. And I hope I will keep coming in here for a very long time.”

The lifeblood of the charity is their nine part-time staff and 25 volunteers, who have welcomed and supported 16,000 people across its three locations in the past year.

Jacqueline is a regular visitor in Alloa and brings her lively pup Beth, after having lost her rescue dog Murphy last year.

“Coming here for me, it’s helping to build up your self esteem because I was in a bad place,” she said. “And it’s just that natural, unconditional care, compassion and concern the staff show you. You know you matter, it’s not false.”

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News

Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code



Source link

Dog Food topper - Getquelle365
Tags: charityElderlyfightlonelinesspairspeoplePetsRescueScottishTimeWag
Tweet8Share13Share3Share
Previous Post

Pet adoption pop-up launched, plans to address problems at animal shelter

Next Post

This Super Common Dog Owner Habit May Be Shaving Years Off Your Pet’s Life

Doggone Well Staff

Doggone Well Staff

Next Post
This Super Common Dog Owner Habit May Be Shaving Years Off Your Pet’s Life

This Super Common Dog Owner Habit May Be Shaving Years Off Your Pet's Life

Youtube Channel

Currently Playing

Follow Our Page

Popular Post

    Follow Us

    Category

    • CBD
    • EXERCISES
    • Home
    • NEW POSTS
    • PET NEWS
    • PET TRAVEL
    • PETS
    • PRODUCTS
    • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
    • TRENDING

    Tag Cloud

    Adoption Animal Animals Attack breeds Care Cat Cats County Day Death dog Dog as Pet Dog Owner dogs Family Fire food health Home house Humane Life Local Love Man Meet news Owners Park people Pets Police Puppy Rescue Safe Shelter Society Stray Tips Top Vet Ways Week Woman

    Recent News

    How to keep your pets safe from summer heat

    How to keep your pets safe from summer heat

    July 2, 2025
    Tips from Paws Play Doggy Daycare & Boarding –

    Tips from Paws Play Doggy Daycare & Boarding –

    July 2, 2025
    • DMCA
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact Us
    • Cookie Privacy Policy

    © 2022 Doggone Well - doggone well.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
      • EXERCISES
      • PETS
    • CBD
    • PRODUCTS
    • TRENDING
    • PET NEWS
    • PET TRAVEL
    • Advertise Here

    © 2022 Doggone Well - doggone well.

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password?

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In