A rescue centre is urging dog lovers to "open their homes and hearts" to older pooches.
The Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Shoreham is home to a number of dogs aged eight and older and for Grandparents Day today it is shining a light on its "gorgeous golden oldies".
Since June this year, almost 40 per cent of people wanting to adopt a dog of a specific age from Dogs Trust were looking for a four-legged friend under six months, compared to just ten per cent looking for a dog aged eight and over.
Adel Burnett, centre manager at Dogs Trust Shoreham, said: “Sometimes older dogs can be overlooked in favour of younger pups but they deserve just as much attention and care from new owners as their younger counterparts.
“There are lots of benefits of rehoming an old age pooch (OAP). Often older dogs don’t need quite as much exercise and although they can be a little less energetic, senior canines can be just as fun and playful.
“Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too but you can certainly still teach an older dog new tricks.
“They can also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle.”
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"Golden oldies" currently patiently waiting to find families to spend their twilight years with include 12-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Chance.
Staff at the centre say Chance is a "sweet older gentleman" with a loving nature, looking for a quiet and peaceful home.
Chance does still enjoy his walks but can only manage shorter potters a few times a day so a garden of his own is essential for regular outdoor relaxation.
Climbing up steps can sometimes be a challenge for him so the fewer stairs in his new home, the better.
Chance can live with children of secondary school age and he will make for an affectionate companion who’ll enjoy snuggling up next to you on the sofa, while soaking up all your attention.
Other "golden oldies" looking for their forever home include:
Lenny - nine-year-old German shepherd crossbreed
Tex – a nine-year-old border collie crossbreed
Woody – nine-year-old miniature poodle crossbreed
Lemmy – eight-year-old crossbreed
Charlie – nine-year-old Jack Russell terrier crossbreed
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