DOGS TRUST Salisbury is shining a light on its older residents this weekend, in the hope that people will consider adopting a senior dog this Grandparents Day.

Sunday, October 1 marks Grandparents Day, and Dogs Trust in Salisbury is shining a spotlight on its OAPs (Old Age Pooches) in the hope that those with a dog-shaped hole in their lives will open their homes and their hearts to a "golden oldie".

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. 

This is compared to 10 per cent looking for a dog aged eight and over.

Dogs Trust Salisbury is hoping that these "golden oldies" will buck the trend and prove every dog really does have its day.

Claire Rowe, centre manager at Dogs Trust Salisbury, 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. 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." 

One dog who is currently patiently waiting to find families to spend its twilight years is the 11-year-old English Springer Spaniel crossbreed, Chester.Salisbury Journal: Chester is looking for a forever homeChester is looking for a forever home (Image: Dogs Trust Salisbury)

Described as "an introverted lad", Chester is looking for a quiet life and a new companion with whom he can enjoy the outdoors, eat tasty food, and snooze on a comfy bed.

Chester is a country boy at heart and is looking for a more rural home.

If you think you can give Chester a forever home, visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/spaniel-english-springer/1213270

Claire added: "Grandparents Day gives us the chance to put our golden oldies in the spotlight and we’re hoping this weekend sees Chester’s special someone fall in love with them and realise he is their forever four-legged friend."

Other Old Age Pooches waiting for their forever home at Dogs Trust Salisbury include:

Readers who are interested in finding out more about Dogs Trust Salisbury's Old Age Pooches can head to their website: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/salisbury