The coronavirus lockdowns has meant many months spent at home – and our dogs played an important part in providing much-needed company.
But charity Dogs Trust is urging prospective owners to bear in mind that taking in a puppy is not the only option.
Older rescue dogs can be slightly lower maintenance as they do not require weeks dedicated to puppy training and can be the perfect antidote to loneliness.
One adopter to benefit from taking in an older dog is 101-year-old Marjorie Rigby from Tameside, who helped Terrier Paddy find his ideal retirement home, reports TeamDogs.
Now aged 13, Paddy was rehomed shortly before the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Ms Rigby's daughter, Angela, said: “Adopting Paddy is the best thing we have ever done.
"Of course, when we adopted him we didn’t know what we were going to be facing, but I don’t know how we’d have got through lockdown without him.
“He has been absolutely wonderful company, such a comfort.
“I would encourage anyone thinking of adopting a dog to consider an older dog.
"Paddy makes us so happy and seeing him happy is fantastic.”
To find out more about caring for an older dog, visit the Dogs Trust website.
