Scottish charity pairs elderly people with rescue pets to fight loneliness one wag at a time

As the Christmas tree twinkles in the corner, a group of pensioners gather in a warm, cosy space in the centre of Alloa.

Every week day, the innovative charity “Give a Dog a Bone…And an Animal a Home” opens its doors to elderly residents and their four-legged friends in a bid to help alleviate the distress and discomfort of loneliness.

The charity was set up 11 years ago by Louise Russell who had become aware of many older adults suffering from loneliness, as well as an increasing number of dogs in shelters that needed a loving home.

She told Scotland Tonight: “We support older adults financially to afford a rescue pet companion, so it’s a win-win. The person gets a friend and the animal gets a home.”

Seven years ago, Louise helped Sheila rescue a dog from Romania. After a long journey through many counties, Logan arrived bedraggled and exhausted – they’ve been inseparable ever since.

“I just really don’t know how my life would be without him,” said Sheila. “I live on my own and he’s just great company. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning.”

Logan is calm and charming and visits the local care homes as a therapy pet.

“He just loves it, we go there every week at the moment. He’s a great wee dog, a lot of character,” added Sheila.

Over time, Louise realised there were many more people who loved spending time with dogs but couldn’t commit to adopting a pet.

That led to the charity opening three community spaces – in Glasgow, Alloa and Troon – where older adults come along with their pets to make friends.

Janice has been going to the centre for two years after struggling with her mental health. She did everything with her husband but that all changed when he developed dementia and needed to move into full time care.

She said: “This place is very important to me and all the people in it, especially staff members. They have helped me tremendously through a very dark period in my life. And I hope I will keep coming in here for a very long time.”

The lifeblood of the charity is their nine part-time staff and 25 volunteers, who have welcomed and supported 16,000 people across its three locations in the past year.

Jacqueline is a regular visitor in Alloa and brings her lively pup Beth, after having lost her rescue dog Murphy last year.

“Coming here for me, it’s helping to build up your self esteem because I was in a bad place,” she said. “And it’s just that natural, unconditional care, compassion and concern the staff show you. You know you matter, it’s not false.”