Oakfield - Life begins at 14!

Just like us, as dogs get older they have to face new challenges. Whether through their own age or condition, or that of their owners, some dogs reach a point where they can no longer be cared for at home, yet cannot take to life in kennels. Unlike us, though, there’s no ‘old dogs home’ where they can go to enjoy comfort and company until they are rehomed. Until now!

DogsTrust has set up the most amazing place for older dogs: Oakfield Old Dogs Home. Oakfield is a quaint old cottage, designed to mimic the home comforts that many older dogs are used to: a comfy living room, a squidgy sofa, a garden to pootle in, and a working kitchen.

For older dogs who need a little extra TLC, Oakfield is a true haven where they can live comfortably and securely until they find their forever home, or forever, if necessary! The 'Oakfield Oldies,' as residents are known, have often spent years living with their beloved owners who, through no fault of their own, can no longer care for them. As you can imagine, this is a difficult thing to cope with for any dog, let alone our older companions.








Many residents at Oakfield have special age-related requirements, and need a little extra care. Take Angus, for example – he's the handsome chap in the photo at the top of this post. At the ripe old age of 14, Angus came to DogsTrust with pancreatitis; his aching legs meant he struggled to walk very far, and he needed a special diet. But, with a snuggly blanket, and familiar sights, sounds, and smells, Angus was soon settled in at Oakfield.

Providing this level of care requires much help and support, and DogsTrust couldn't have created and maintain Oakfield without donations from the public and the hard work of its volunteers and staff.

With more and more older pets than ever requiring rehoming, it's vital that places such as Oakfield Old Dogs Home are here to help our animal companions. Head over to the DogsTrust website and see for yourself how you can help these grand old canines be comfortable and happy during their stay at Oakfield, whether that's for the rest of their lives, or just until their forever home turns up. And, of course, you can make a donation to help with its many, many projects.

www.dogstrust.org.uk

Do you have an older dog?

No matter how young or old your dog is, David Alderton’s and Derek Hall’s Living with an older dog, part of our Gentle Dog Care series, is invaluable in helping you to prepare for the physical and mental changes that occur as your dog ages, and to make your older dog comfortable and content. Head over to Hubble & Hattie to find out more …