DIVA spoke to The Senior Staffy Club about why older dogs need #StaffieLove too °Å¸Â¾
The Senior Staffy Club was founded by Kate Lee after her own experience of looking for a rescue dog. After spending time considering different breeds, she eventually adopted two older Staffordshire Bull Terriers called Madge and Buster, who proved to be the loves of her life and the best dogs she has ever had.
Kate quickly realised this breed was more at risk than most for falling into rescue centres through no fault of their own, and either being needlessly destroyed, or spending their mature years in a kennel. She knew this couldn't be the only option. That's when The Senior Staffy Club was then formed.
"Run by volunteers, its purpose is to rehome staffies and staffy crosses over the age of seven years old. These are the dogs that often get lost in the system, as they aren’t considered to be an 'appealing option' for rehoming", Kate tells DIVA.
"The reality is quite different – staffies know nothing but love and loyalty for their owner. If that isn’t appealing then we don’t know what is!"
"Sadly, there’s still a lot of very negative press about staffies, but we have volunteers (and owners) in the charity ranging from animal behaviourists to zoo keepers, to solicitors and everyone in between. That just shows their amazing appeal and that Staffordshire Bull Terriers can fit into anyone’s life should you have the time and commitment to give them what they need, LOVE!"
The Senior Staffy Club have around 12 dogs at any one time looking for homes, and these often come in from last chance pounds or homes where they may not have been very well cared for.
"We take dogs into our Midland-based kennels in Worcester and Stafford, where they are fully assessed and vet checked, as some have urgent veterinary needs. We then look for foster and forever homes all over the UK, where the dogs can really come into their own and flourish through receiving better care.
"We would urge DIVA readers to look at our website regularly and register their interest either online, or by contacting the dogs very own PA’s (Yes, they each have their own PA!) Alternatively, there’s a range of volunteering opportunities available within the charity."
Meet some of our lovely pooches! ðŸ¾â€‹
Clementine Eight years old, Clementine was a breeding dog who was discarded by her owner when she get too old. She's looking for a pet free and adult only home and is currently based in Worcester kennels ðŸ¾â€‹
Diesel ​Seven years old, a lovely boy full of mischief and character. A pet-free home is needed, but he could live with children around 10 years old and older. Diesel is currently being fostered in Berkshire ðŸ¾â€‹
Honey ​Came in with her friend Roxy after her owner’s change of circumstances, Roxy was homed quickly, but Honey is still waiting. She loves her foster family’s teenage children ðŸ¾â€‹
Ruby ​OUR STAR DOG! At eight years old, she hasn’t had the best life. She was kept outside for most of it before coming to The Senior Staffy Club and now has some behavioural needs, but she is very loving. She can be reached directly on her PA Charlene's number 07771914583 ðŸ¾â€‹
Remember #StaffieLove is the best kind and there’s plenty to go round, if you just know where to find it…
Further information about our current dogs can be found here ðŸ¾â€‹
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