Looking to spread the word about the work that we do? Download our resources below.
Press Enquiries
For further information and interview, please contact Louise Russell, Charity Founder.
Email: hello@giveadogabone.net
Tel: (07969) 742858
Logo
Blue Logo (PNG, 70KB)
Images
Louise Russell, Charity Founder
Promo Video
About us
Give a Dog a Bone… and an animal a home’ is a unique and award-winning charity that helps the over 60’s to afford a rescue pet companion – tackling loneliness for older adults through animal companionship and friendship.
The charity was founded by Louise Russell in November 2013.
Since then the charity has helped thousands of older adults and their animal companions to have a happier and more engaged existence together.
Louise’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was awarded both the Pride of Scotland Community Hero Award and The People’s Pet Awards Special Recognition Award for her work bringing rescue animals and the over 60s together and, in May 2023, the charity was one of three finalists for Animal Charity Team of the Year in The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards! In fact, we’ve won several awards which you can find listed here.
Now in our 10th year, we have big plans around the charity, it’s growth and how we can reach more people, and rescue animals, who need our help!!
The story so far…
Statistics published by Age UK highlight a concern that older people can regularly go up to one month without speaking to anyone and many older people report often experience feeling lonely.
As so many older adults live alone, a pet can be an important source of company and affection. They also provide routine, encourage exercise and can give someone a sense of purpose.
Did You Know?
3.8 million people aged 65+ live alone in the UK.
(Almost one third of all people aged 65+)
Source: age UK, Apr 2021
49,292 dogs were handled by UK Council Shelters in one year.
(1st April 2019 – 31st March 2020)
1165 were put to sleep by UK Local Authorities during this time.
Source: Stray Dog Survey for Dogs Trust 2020.
So, how do we help?
If finances are a barrier to a person aged 60, or older, adopting a pet companion, we can:
- Contribute towards the re-homing fee of a rescue companion animal.
- Continue to support on a monthly basis, by contributing towards associated pet insurance and/or food costs.
We also support those in the same age group who already have a pet companion but are now struggling to afford them, by providing them with similar financial assistance.
We are constantly helping to support shelters by linking them up with prospective new owners and homes for their animals.
Additionally, we have three community spaces across Scotland where we tackle loneliness and isolation for older adults by providing a safe space for retired people to make new friends, learn new skills and mix with dogs.
Testimonials
“The joy Beni brings to my life every day is priceless! He is such good company.
I would not be able to have another animal at this stage of my life without financial support from GADAB.I am more that grateful to the charity and can’t believe how lucky I am. Having an ever loving wee being around is such fun!”
Lynda, helped by Give A Dog A Bone.
“Each time we commit to supporting an animal with the cost of pet food each month, we commit to thousands of pounds per animal over their life time.”
Louise Russell, Charity Founder.
Alloa Advertiser
April, 2023
AN ALLOA-BASED charity has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Petplan and Association for Dogs and Cats Home Animal Charity Awards.
Give a Dog a Bone, based on Mar Street, have made it through to the finals of the awards, which aim to recognise the work carried out by animal charities across the UK.
The charity, which also has locations in Troon and Glasgow, works to tackle loneliness in older adults alongside reducing animal homelessness.
Louise Russell, Give a Dog a Bone founder, said:
“It feels amazing to be shortlisted as a finalist for Animal Charity Team of the Year.
We have been nominated several times and we are so delighted to make the finals this year.
We’re a small team delivering a big service – tackling loneliness for older adults through animal companionship and friendship, and our team work really hard to make a difference every day.
This is a wonderful recognition for us all!”
The Animal Charity Awards are an annual celebration of the work carried out by charities across the country.
