George – 15 year old male Tibetan Terrier

George is a 15 year old Tibetan Terrier who is in an Oldies Club foster home in Sittingbourne, Kent, waiting to find a permanent home.

Settled gradually: George took about a week to settle at his foster home. He slept quite a bit when he first arrived, and was a little aloof, but he still enjoyed his dinners and walks. After a week he had slotted into the routine very well, found his place on the sofa in the evenings right next to his foster carer and was found rolling upside down with a toy in his mouth the other day – an awww moment.

OK when left: George is currently left 4 hours twice a week. He barks about 20 barks as you leave, then settles down to sleep. Although he is good when left, we think that George has been left an awful lot in the past and would like to be around people more now. He therefore wouldn’t be happy in a home of full time workers. He is a little shadow and sleeps wherever you are or wherever you have put his quilt bed near you.

Good with dogs: George is great with dogs and likes to lie near to them when he’s asleep. He doesn’t bother dogs at all and likes to be part of the gang.

Good with cats: George has lived with cats in the past and has no malice in him.

Could live with older children: We have been told George has been around children throughout his life, but as he sleeps heavily and has poor sight and hearing he would be better with older children.

Enjoys slow walks: George is a plodder and only does about 15 minutes very slow walking. He is OK off lead in a safe area, he just potters about sniffing, but he needs to be directed pysically if he is going the wrong way. He will recall if he is near enough to hear you.

Good in the car: George is great in the car and just settles down for the journey.

George’s favourite pastimes: Sleeping; Following you about for a dropped crumb when awake!; Sitting next to you watching telly in the evenings.

George’s dislikes: Being groomed, or having his feet or ears looked at — he is not too bad but will wriggle away and avoid it if possible. He is never aggressive.

George’s perfect home: His foster carer says: “George would like to have doggy company, and someone around most of the day who will have the patience to try to understand him. He can be demanding at meal times, which some people finding endearing, but it may annoy another person. At about 6 pm, George will stand in the kitchen by the dog food cupboard and let out one bark every minute or so until he gets his dinner. He also does one bark at the back door when he wants to go out for a wee, and again to come back in. Other than that he is not a barker. If you do what George asks of you promptly he is a quiet little boy on the whole! ”

Health notes: George is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea-treated. At his vet check, George was said to be in good condition for his age. He has good teeth, a good heart, and he had a blood test and all levels were fine for his age, except for a slightly raised liver enzyme – this is being double checked and if required he may need a liver supplement such as Milk Thistle. He has had some treatment for itchy ears. The red patch on George’s neck, in one of the photos, is where they shaved him at the vets for a blood sample. It isn’t bothering him and his foster carer is putting cream on it.

Behavioural notes: George will need trimming a couple of times a year, and his new owner will need to spend time grooming him in a rewarding way, so that he learns to enjoy it. His new owner will need to learn his little ways, for example he sometimes has a real panting session in the evenings. His foster carer worried about this at first, and got it checked with the vet, but thinks it is a behavoural anxiety habit he has developed from being left. It only lasts about an hour and then he settles down to sleep. He also chews his nails sometimes!

Foster carer’s summary of George: “Cute, sociable, perfect lap warmer, full of character. George will be a great addition to a calm and loving household. He is such a sweet boy considering he has had lots of changes in his life the last few weeks. I love to see him have a little chase round with a toy in his mouth – he still has a lust for life in there“.

Frank – 11 year old male Labrador

Frank is an 11 year old black Labrador boy who is in an Oldies Club foster home in Milton Keynes, Bucks, waiting for someone to offer him a permanent home.

Settled quite quickly: Frank was clean and quiet through the night from Day 1 at his foster home but it took him about a week to settle fully.

Fine to be left: Frank can be left for a few hours but he enjoys having a companion. His foster carer feels that if he had a doggy pal for company he would be suitable for full-time workers provided he had a walk or garden break part way through the day.

Likes being with dogs: At his foster home, Frank is living with two rather aloof dogs, but Frank would really enjoy living with a dog that enjoyed interacting with him. He’d be fine as an only dog if he had human company most of the time.

Could live with confident cats: Frank doesn’t see the two cats in his foster home very much because they live upstairs and Frank doesn’t go upstairs. He can do a row of about 20 outside steps without a problem but he just doesn’t want to go upstairs in the house! When he has seen the cats he has seemed interested – in an excited, curious way – but is easily distracted by just calling his name, so his foster carer thinks confident cats would be OK.

Could live with children aged 7+ years: The youngest child Frank has met since being in foster is 7 and all was fine. We wouldn’t recommend Frank living with younger children but this is only because he can get quite excited and may knock a small child over. Also, when he’s excited he sometimes tugs at your clothes, not really hard, but might pull a small child over.

Enjoys moderate walks; excellent on lead: Frank is very good on the lead — you hardly know he’s there! His recall is good and he doesn’t wander too far away, but if other dogs are around, his foster carer puts him on the lead, otherwise he’ll run over to them. He’s having two 30-minute walks per day, which seems about right for him. An hour’s walk makes him quite stiff later in the day

Good in the car: Frank is good in the car so long as it’s moving. While stationary he barks, continuously – obviously shouting “get a move on”!

Frank’s favourite pastimes: Being brushed; Walks; Breakfast; Dinner! Oh, and fuss and cuddles.

Frank’s perfect home: Frank would fit into almost any home. He’s not demanding at all, just loves his short walks, food and attention. He’s not really interested in toys.

Health notes: Frank is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea-treated. Frank is missing one toe and the end of his tail due to a past injury, but this doesn’t bother him in the slightest. He is having metacam for the arthritis in his hips and he’s doing brilliantly on it. He has 2 tiny warts on his eyelid but the vet has advised to leave them as they’re not bothering him. Since coming into our care, Frank’s had an anal gland tumour removed which proved to be malignant. The vet has confirmed that it was all removed successfully but of course there’s no guarantee it won’t appear somewhere else. Frank is a very good boy at the vets.

Foster carer’s summary of Frank: “Affectionate; Intelligent; Curious. He makes a grumbly mumbly noise sometimes but this is just his way of talking!”

Jack – 11 year old male Jack Russell Terrier

Jack is an 11 year old Jack Russell Terrier who came into Oldies Club care after the death of his owner. Poor little Jack was found next to his owner’s body and he had been there for about two days. Jack’s now in an Oldies Club foster home in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, waiting for someone to offer him a permanent home.

Settled quickly: Jack’s foster home isn’t far from his original home so he settled quickly, though he was understandably a little sad at losing his owner.

Can be left but loves company: At his foster home Jack is with four other dogs and hasn’t been left for long, but Jack’s foster carer doesn’t see a problem with Jack being left for a few hours. However, he does love company and so he wouldn’t be suitable for a home with full-time workers. Jack has been used to someone being around all the time and is at his happiest when out and about on his walks.

Good with dogs: Jack is living with four bitches at the moment. There is the odd grumble between them all, mostly from the girls to him (!), and he’s had a couple of little growls back but nothing that isn’t normal for dogs. Like all dogs he likes to sniff others but doesn’t like it himself.

Probably doesn’t like cats: Jack was said to not like and cats and his foster carer hasn’t had an opportunity to test him with cats.

Very good with children: Jack’s been excellent with all the children he’s met and he likes to give them kisses. He should be fine to live with well-trained children aged 5 years and over.

Lives for his walks: Jack likes nothing better than going for his walks; in fact he lives for them. He is excellent off lead and his recall is good. He likes sniffing other dogs but will stop if you tell him. His foster carer says: “My young dog and her friend were having a mad growly playfight the other day and he thought it was fun and joined in with them“.

Jack would stay out all day if you let him. He adores being out and about. His foster carer continues: “As it’s easy from where we live he has been getting out 6 or more times a day, sometimes walking round the Heath and others just staying at the front of it and playing with other dogs running round having fun. He would settle with less and does settle down when in the house but he’s happiest when out and about.”

Fine in the car: Jack trembled at first in the car but has been in it a lot now and settles on the back seat.

Jack’s favourite pastimes: Going out, going out and going out, haha! He likes playing tug with cuddly toys, fleeces, towels (anything really). He also likes to sit on cushions, and when he lies in his bed he has a fleece and buries himself in it (you don’t know he’s there). Oh and sitting on your knee giving kisses.

Jack’s perfect home: Somewhere that he can have lots of attention as he loves people and sitting on your knee or cuddling up beside you. And obviously somewhere that he can indulge his passion for the outdoors.

Health notes: Jack is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea-treated. He is in excellent health and is fit and lively considering his age.

Foster carer’s summary of Jack: “Cute, loving, quirky, adorable. Jack’s had a bit of a hard life (in his past) yet is still a trusting adorable boy. He just wants to be someone’s best friend and be loved and cherished. He has his quirks (like most dogs) but is no trouble at all and is one of the easiest dogs I’ve ever known. He’ll be a lovely companion to somebody and give his love and devotion in bucketfuls. He’s Simply The Best xx“.

Alfie – 12 year old male Yorkshire Terrier

Alfie is a small 12 year old Yorkshire Terrier who came into Oldies Club care with Mavis. After careful assessment by their foster carer we have decided that Alfie and Mavis can be rehomed separately. Alfie is in an Oldies Club foster home in Norfolk, waiting for someone to offer him a permanent home.

Introducing Alfie: Alfie has a kind, loving nature and is extremely affectionate towards people.

Settled well at the foster home: Alfie was a little confused for the first week at his foster home but he is now fine. He likes to potter around the house and garden, following you everywhere. He loves a morning and afternoon sleep in the sun or on the back of a chair. At night he likes to sleep in a warm bed or on a chair, but he needs a small light on as his foster carers have found that Alfie is afraid of the dark. He is happy to be brushed and bathed.

Can be left but not suitable for full-time workers: Alfie doesn’t mind being left at home alone for a reasonable period, provided he has a dog for company, and will happily curl up in his bed and sleep until you return. However he wouldn’t be happy to live with full-time workers as he would be very stressed if left for too long.

Likes small dogs: Alfie interacts well with the small dogs at his foster home but he can be worried by large dogs.

Needs a cat-free home: We were told that Alfie and Mavis had lived with cats in the past, but Alfie is allergic to cat-flea bites and so he needs a cat-free home. When he and Mavis saw a cat at their foster home they chased it out of the garden.

Could live with children 10+: Alfie would probably be fine living with older children (10+) but he finds very young children too much and hides away.

Enjoys walks in fine weather: Alfie gets very excited when his lead appears and he enjoys walks in the woods and along the beach. He enjoys walking for up to 30 minutes, once a day, but if he gets tired he sits down and expects you to carry him home. Alfie is not always good at recall as he is a little deaf and tends to take a little time to come back. He doesn’t like to go out in the rain or snow!

Good in the car but needs sickness tablets for long journeys: Alfie is good in the car and settles down, but he is sometimes sick after a long while travelling so will need travel sickness tablets for long journeys.

Likes: Alfie loves to have lots and lots of attention and enjoys sitting on your lap.

Dislikes: Alfie is afraid of the dark. He also gets very worried about things such as loud bangs; he then tends to bark, but with kind words he settles.

Health notes: Alfie is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea-treated. He has a skin condition that flares up occasionally but is easily controlled with anti-inflammatory tablets. Alfie also has cataracts in both eyes and is hard of hearing. He had a blood test which was all clear.

Foster carer’s summary: Foster carer’s summary: “If you could find a place in your heart for this very easy-going little boy and you feel you could offer him a forever home, you would just make his dream come true.”

Jess – 11 year old male English Springer Spaniel

Jess is an 11 year old Springer Spaniel who came into Oldies Club care after her owner took her to the vet to be put to sleep. The vet, thankfully, refused and Jess is now in an Oldies Club foster home in Dundee, waiting for someone to offer her a permanent home.

Settled quickly: Jess settled immediately with her foster family and their dogs. It took a few days for her to eat normally but this is to be expected after 11 years with the same family. She didn’t show any other signs of stress though.

Can be left for a few hours: Jess is happy to be left alone for a few hours. She is quiet and non-destructive. She settles well downstairs overnight too. She is completely house-trained and her foster carer has only heard her bark once and that was in play.

Wouldn’t be happy with full-time workers: Jess is very people orientated and wouldn’t want to spend long hours alone regularly. Her foster carer therefore thinks that she isn’t suitable to live with full-time workers as she would be depressed.

Excellent with dogs: Jess is fantastic with dogs and could live with another dog. However, she does enjoy a lot of attention so probably wouldn’t be happy to live with a large pack.

Unknown with cats: There are no cats in Jess’s foster home but she will chase them outside if given the chance.

Fabulous with children: Jess could live with respectful children that are past the toddler stage. She is happy to lay her head on her foster carer’s six year old son’s lap for cuddles.

Good on walks: Jess loves her walks and gets very excited when the lead comes out. She likes to walk on an extending lead but is good on a short lead also. Her recall is good when she isn’t distracted by birds or leaves — she has a typical Springer chase instinct. Jess doesn’t run up to other dogs off lead and she will recall from a play session. Her foster carer has been building up Jess’s muscle tone in her back legs with walks no longer than 20 minutes three times a day, but she could go further.

Uneasy about car travel: Jess is a bit scared of the car but is improving every day. She’s not sick, but she shakes a bit. She is happiest on the back seat with a harness rather than in the boot.

Jess’s favourite pastimes: Walks; Sleeping; Tummy tickles; Getting cuddles. She will chase a ball on occasion but prefers cuddles!

Jess’s dislikes: She was not overly keen on a bouncy puppy she met in the park, but other than that Jess has been fine with everything. She’s not fazed by busy traffic, nor the hoover etc.

Jess’s perfect home: A home where she can have cuddles most of the day and with someone who doesn’t mind being followed around. Jess likes to move if you move and wants to be with you most of the time.

Health notes: Jess is in the process of being vaccinated and will be microchipped and spayed shortly. She has been wormed and flea treated.

Jess was taken to the vet by her previous owner to be PTS. They reported that she had been having infrequent fits for the last two years but they had never sought a vet’s advice. They said she had had 3 fits over the weekend, each lasting more than 15 mins! The vet refused to put Jess to sleep and sought a rescue that would take her, and so she came to the Oldies Club. A full blood count has been done and this came back all within normal range. Jess has been with us for over 4 weeks and there have been no fits or periods of blankness at all, even during the stressful period when she first arrived.

Our foster carer’s vet is inclined to treat Jess as if she is not epileptic as, at the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that she is. He feels it’s possible that if the fits happened at all they could be hormone related and spaying her will help. Jess’s foster carer says: “Having owned an epileptic Springer in the past, I see no signs at all of Jess being ill. The vet agrees that she is in very good condition given her age”.

Foster carer’s summary of Jess: “Beautiful; Cuddly; Loving; Friendly. She is a beautiful girl who does not look or act 11 years old. Fabulous cuddly nature and an all round easy dog to live with. She deserves a home that has cuddles to spare! She prefers to eat once a day and is used to a mixture of complete dried and tinned. She loves to have all the attention for herself and will push in if another dog is having cuddles but not in an aggressive way. She shares toys happily.”