AN ELDERLY dog left behind after her owner died has been given a second chance at happiness thanks to a charity scheme which helps canines find a loving home when their owners pass away.
Fourteen-year-old Collie cross Amy was handed over to Dogs Trust Kenilworth by a family member after Amy’s owner died and the next of kin couldn’t care for her.
Thankfully, Amy’s owner had signed up to Dog’s Trust’s Canine Care Card, a free service that aims to give owners peace of mind, knowing that Dogs Trust will look after their dog if the worst should happen.
When Amy first arrived at the rehoming centre, she was understandably missing her home comforts as she had lived with her loving owner since she was a puppy. She was placed into temporary foster care before finding her furry-tale ending with a loving new owner, 85-year-old Graham Buckingham from Brinklow.
Amy’s new owner, Mr Graham Buckingham, said: “I have always had dogs in my life and, as I now live alone, I was looking for a dog to keep me company.
“I have had Amy for about a fortnight now and she is slowly starting to settle in. Even though she is an older dog, she loves her walks so she gets me out the house and keeps me active; we help each other.
I’m so lucky to have her in my life and I’m glad that I’ve given her a second chance.”
Helen Barlow, Supporter Relations Officer at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, added: “We’re really pleased that Amy has been able to have a second chance at happiness through the Canine Care Card scheme.
“Many dog owners worry what might happen to their dog if they were to pass away first, leaving their beloved four-legged friend without an owner.
“However, the Canine Care Card scheme offers reassurance to dog owners, and also helps to ease the minds of friends and family during what is already a distressing time.
“For those who sign up to the scheme and sadly pass away, Dogs Trust will arrange to bring the dog/s to the nearest rehoming centre, where they are examined by our on-site vet and cared for by dedicated staff.”
If you decide to become a Canine Care Card holder, Dogs Trust issues a wallet-sized card which acts in a similar way to an organ donor card and notifies people of their wishes for their dogs, should anything happen to them.
Dogs Trust works hard to match every dog with a responsible, loving home. If for any reason a dog cannot be rehomed, owners can rest assured that Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog to sleep and will care for them for the rest of their lives.
To find out more about the Canine Care Card scheme, please contact Jane Hirons or Helen Barlow, Supporter Relations Officers at Dogs Trust Kenilworth on 0330 303 0292.
Dogs Trust Kenilworth is always looking for foster carers to temporarily care for dogs of all ages and sizes.
If you are interested in fostering a dog like Amy whilst they wait to be adopted, please contact Sabrina Holder at Dogs Trust Kenilworth on [email protected]
