Give a dog a bone (GADAB) charity’s mission is to tackle loneliness in older adults and animal homelessness by providing two key services. Firstly, they provide financial support to people over 60 who are struggling to afford the ongoing monthly costs associated with caring for their pet. They can also cover the one-off rehoming fee so people over 60 can afford a rescue pet companion. The individual gets a friend, and the animal gets a loving home!

Secondly, they provide Community Spaces in Shawlands, Troon, Alloa and Dunfermline where people over 60 are welcome to come in for a free cuppa and enjoy the company of their companionship dogs, staff and volunteers.  At their spaces, group activities and relaxing therapy treatments are offered to over 60s for free, and their beloved canine companions are welcome too. 

Merchants House funding is specifically to support the Shawlands Community Space. A representative said “We are extremely grateful to the Merchants House of Glasgow for awarding us £2000 towards our Shawlands Community Space.  Here, we offer a safe space for older adults to make friends and spend time with our special team of Companionship Dogs. We appreciate your support in our unique charitable mission of tackling loneliness for older adults via animal companionship.”

Barbara, 78, is a regular visitor to the Shawlands Community Space, joining the weekly Group Dog Walk in Queens Park as often as she can. Barbara comments:

“I’ve made some nice friends here at GADAB and I often help and advise the other GADAB visitors with their dogs, as I have a lot of experience. They trust me and I like to help. I would miss GADAB dreadfully if it wasn’t here – it’s the one place I know I will get both human and dog company. I would be limited to talking to strangers in the street and asking them if I can pat their dogs, if GADAB didn’t exist. I really look forward to coming here – it stops me from staying home alone, it gives me a reason to get out and talk to people.”

Pets and regular connection with others can have positive effects on the mental and physical wellbeing of older adults. Many of the individuals who engage with this charity live alone, and their pets are the main source of company and affection. Pets can become constant companions, bringing welcome relief from the adverse effects of loneliness in our ageing years.  They can provide motivation to rise in the morning, a sense of purpose and a feeling of being needed.  With daily walks, pets ensure their owners get outside each day for fresh air and physical exercise, and they provide routine in a day which might otherwise be empty.

Images courtesy the GADAB website. 

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