Salisbury Dogs Trust preparing for more people to give up their pets
The charity has released heart-breaking calls of owners who can no longer cope with their dogs
Salisbury's Dog Trust are revealing the heartbreak owners are facing after having to give up their pets due to the pandemic.
With a new campaign, the dog welfare charity is encouraging owners to get help if they are struggling to care for their dog.
The charity has seen a 41% increase in visitors to its 'giving up your dog' web page, compared to the six-month period beforehand.
YOU CAN CHANGE THE TALE
In an advert for the Trusts 'Change the tale' campaign, you can hear recordings from owners making the heart-breaking decision to hand over their dogs to the charity.
The calls show how the pandemic has impacted and placed strain on owners, as they struggle to continue to care for their dog.
In one call, a lady explains the pain of having to give up her dog having lost her job and home. Other callers cite the burden of increased working hours, firm closures, house evictions and financial struggles.
Dogs Trust has released these calls to shed light on the struggles that more owners could face in the months and years ahead.
The charity is encouraging people to 'change the tale' for dogs affected by the pandemic, and to seek advice if they feel they can no longer care for their pet.
Claire Rose, manager at Dogs Trust Salisbury, said:
"We know that the pandemic will have devastating effects on some people's lives and their ability to care for their pets.
"When people take on the responsibilities of dog ownership, they do so with the best intentions to care for them long-term. But as the calls to Dogs Trust show, in these extraordinary times, circumstances can change in a heartbeat, leaving owners or their families with incredibly tough decisions to make.
"Unfortunately, we believe the worst is yet to come and we expect many more calls like this as the pandemic fallout continues - and we will do all we can to help those in need of our support."
TWO DOGS HAD THEIR TALE CHANGED
10-year-old Malamute Merlin and 14-year-old Terrier Harvey came into the care of Dogs Trust in July 2020 after their owner sadly passed away from Covid-19.
The team were determined to keep the golden oldie duo together but were worried that their age and some medical needs would hold them back when it came to finding a forever home.
But after lots of love and TLC from the centre staff and the veterinary team, they were adopted in August 2020 by Tony Smith and Jenny Glasspool from Salisbury.