17-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross, Lola, arrived at the Huyton-based rehoming centre in April after her family could sadly no longer take care of her.  

Susie says: 

“For a long, long time I have adopted dogs that are poorly and need a little bit of extra TLC, or older dogs like lovely Lola. We were ready to welcome another dog into our lives, and there was Lola. We just thought she was beautiful. She didn’t look her age so although I’d been drawn to her photo, when I saw how old she was it just felt like it was meant to be.” 

In the nine months up to the end of March this year, only 5% of people looking to adopt a dog from Dogs Trust were looking for a dog aged 8 or over. (1)  

Georgina Lowery, Manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside, says: 

“Older dogs are often overlooked, and Lola is definitely the oldest dog we have had at the centre for a very long time, and possibly the oldest Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross we have ever had.  

“She was a much-loved dog and it was so sad that her owners couldn’t keep her, but as soon as she came to us she went into one of our lovely foster homes so that she could continue to enjoy all her home comforts until she found her forever home. We are absolutely delighted that Susie and Roger adopted her and it’s wonderful to know that she is as loved as ever and will thoroughly enjoy her twilight years with them.” 

Susie, who lives in Llanfairfechan, says Lola has settled in perfectly, is growing in confidence and enjoys gentle walks and pottering around the garden. 

Susie says: 

“She seems to be really content. She follows me around and I love gardening so she is always with me, looking at what’s going on and sniffing around. She is the oldest dog I have ever adopted and I am just so pleased we’ve been able to give her the home she deserves. We have always found giving a home to an older dog so rewarding, it’s wonderful. We would encourage anyone thinking of rescuing a dog, to consider giving a golden oldie their forever home.” 

If you think you could give a Dogs Trust dog their forever home, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to start the virtual adoption process.  

Dogs Trust Merseyside holds Information Days every Sunday. If you would like to take a tour of the centre, meet members of the team and see the dogs spending time with their canine carers, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/ourcentres to book a place.