A NEW survey has revealed that 56 per cent of people in the West Midlands admitted to feeling lonely at some point in 2016, but the good news for dog owners is that their four legged friend can help – with 95 per cent asked saying their dog made them happier and 89 per cent said their dog made them less lonely.
With the depressing winter months still in full swing, Dogs Trust is encouraging the public to consider fostering a dog on a temporary basis with the Home from Home scheme which launches nationwide today.
· In all 80 per cent polled believe the main benefit of dog ownership is the valuable companionship provided by their four- legged friend
· 89 per cent of UK dogs owners said they talk to their dog when no one else is around
· Nearly 40 per cent of non-dog owners said they would consider fostering a dog as a way in which to combat the blues
However, with 42 per cent admitting they do not have time for a dog permanently and a third saying they could not afford a dog, the charity’s home-from-home fostering initiative could be the perfect solution for many miserable dog-less dog lovers.
The mutually beneficial, nationwide scheme looks to find loving temporary foster homes for the thousands of dogs in their care and not only does it help get homeless dogs ready for the loving homes they deserve but it’s very rewarding for the fosters carers too with 73 per cent people surveyed admitting caring for a dog has a positive impact upon their wellbeing.
Sarah Fortey, Home From Home co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: “Spending time with a dog won’t cure all your problems but it could certainly make you happier so we hope people will consider fostering a dog as a positive resolution for the new year.”
Dogs Trust cover all fees and foster carers can go on to adopt their foster dog permanently should they wish. The average stay for a dog in a foster home is three to four weeks, although some dogs can be fostered up to eight months and some for just a weekend.”
Christine Henderson, foster carer for Dogs Trust Evesham, said: “Fostering has been an amazingly rewarding experience for me. After my dog passed away I couldn’t afford to have a dog long-term so when I found out about fostering, I knew I had to get involved.
“Since I started fostering I have had the pleasure of caring for a wide variety of characters from pups, to mums. There are few things more rewarding than seeing the dogs you have nurtured go on to find loving homes for life.”
For more information visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/fostering
