Shropshire Star

Dog charity thanks foster families

Staff at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury are celebrating the third anniversary of their doggie foster scheme which has helped find almost 200 dogs their forever homes thanks to local foster carers.

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Sami and Vickie

The Home from Home scheme was set up at the rehoming centre exactly three years ago and provides foster ‘parents’ for dogs who might find kennel life stressful, such as poorly or pregnant dogs, strays, puppies or older dogs who are used to a quieter life.

Since its launch, 41 families have taken on the role, providing temporary homes before waving a fond farewell to 186 dogs when they have found their special someone.

Home from Home co-ordinator, Vickie Plant, whose role is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to our foster carers. It is fantastic that so many dogs have been able to benefit from enjoying the comforts of a loving home thanks to them. Also, the generous players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £9.5million for Dogs Trust and their on-going support means I can continue to make sure dogs can be cared for in a foster home until their special someone comes along. That means we free up kennel space, enabling us to take in and care for more dogs at the rehoming centre.”

One of the latest dogs to benefit from the scheme is three-year-old Border Collie, Sami.

Vickie added: “Sami was found as a stray and so as we don’t know much about her it’s wonderful to be able to place her with one of our foster families who can get to know her and also let us know how she settles into home life. She is doing really well but she is quite timid so we are now looking for a calm, quiet home for her with patient owners who will allow her the time and space to settle in. She is a gorgeous girl and the foster carers will find it hard to let her go, but we’re sure she will soon steal someone’s heart and head off to her forever home.”

If you think you could be the special someone Sami is looking for, please call 0300 303 0292 or visit Dogs Trust Shrewsbury at Roden Lane Farm, Telford, Shropshire, TF6 6BP. You can also visit www.dogstrust.org.uk and find out more about how to become a foster carer.SS