Shelter volunteer adopts UK senior dogs that got passed over for adoption due to age

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — After being repeatedly overlooked at the rehoming centre due to their old age, a pair of senior dogs finally found their forever home.

Collie crosses, Sheba and Teddy, both 17, were surrendered to the Dogs Trust in Evesham, Worcester, in November last year following the death of their owner, Daily Mail reported.

While there were prospective adopters, the pooches were repeatedly turned down due to their age and also because they had to be adopted as a pair.

Thankfully, Sheba and Teddy were adopted by Dogs Trust volunteer Sue Lewis, whose last dog Muttley died in 2021.

Lewis, 69, said she fell in love with the pair after walking them.

She said the pair’s carer had told her Sheba and Teddy were being overlooked by potential adopters due to their age.

“I said, ‘Do you think they’d like to come and live with me’ and the rest is history,” she reportedly said, adding it would be good to be greeted by a wagging tail again.

Dogs Trust Evesham’s rehoming centre manager Chris Slight said the senior dogs’ world was turned upside down when their owner died.

“We were all eager to find them a home together — which was proving difficult due to their age and because we were looking for an owner to take on a pair.”

“Luckily, Sue (Lewis) fell in love with them and it’s been the ideal outcome for everyone.”

Slight also highlighted the benefits of adopting senior dogs.

“Although they can be a little less energetic, senior canines can be just as fun and playful.”

“Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too, but you can certainly still teach an old dog new tricks,” Slight said.

She added that they also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle in the evening.