Our Story

While working in the corporate sector, Louise Russell (Charity Founder) started to become increasingly aware of the high numbers of older adults living with loneliness, and the rising number of animals in shelters. She wanted to do something to help, so she started thinking…

Give a Dog a Bone…and an animal a home was born! The charity was set up to offer financial support to over 60s across the UK, to help them afford an animal companion.

Aiming to tackle loneliness and isolation by helping older adults re-engage with their community, our Shawlands Community Space was born! Providing a safe space where anyone can come in for a cuppa and chat, as well as free activities and treatments for over 60s.

With Shawlands proving to be hugely popular, the second Community Space was opened in Troon close to the beach. Offering the same experience and free services as Shawlands, with the added bonus of an in-space shop.

In early March, our biggest and newest Community Space opens in Alloa, Clackmannanshire and is off to a fantastic start! Providing all of the same services, free activities and shopping experience as Troon, the space is beautiful and we can’t wait for more people to get involved.

Forced to close our beloved Community Spaces, our over 60s community needed us more than ever! The team adapted quickly and our Sunshine Packs were born. During lockdown, we collated lovely treats, small gifts and letters of support from the local community and posted them out to our subscribers. The feedback we got was overwhelming, with so many individuals commenting the packs brightened their day and made them feel less alone. We also offered weekly Keep in Touch phone calls to ensure our community maintained connection with others.

Slowly and safely reopening as the government guidelines allowed, all three of our Community Spaces are now open and our Group Dog Walk in Shawlands has returned!

Safety is still our priority and it feels great to be able to reopen our services again. We have been overwhelmed with pride to see so many familiar faces return, as well as welcome new friends through our doors.

The charity releases its first ever Christmas advert!

Tugging on hearts, and reaching well over 1 million views – what an amazing opportunity to showcase our unique charitable mission! 

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A beautiful dancehall on the upper floor of our Alloa Community Space becomes available to rent. It’s the perfect opportunity to expand our offering and create a dedicated activity space for older adults!

Founder and Chief Executive, Louise Russell, wins the Pride of Scotland, TSB Community Hero award, and the People’s Pet Awards, Special Recognition award for her continued work tackling loneliness for older adults and homelessness for animals.

Both awards and ceremonies are excellent platforms, helping raise awareness of the charity and introducing Give a Dog a Bone to new audiences.​