Give a Dog a Bone… and an animal a home

'Give a Dog a Bone… and an animal a home’ is a unique and award-winning charity that helps the over 60’s to afford a rescue pet companion – tackling loneliness for older adults through animal companionship and friendship.

About us….

The charity was founded by Louise Russell in November 2013.

Since then, the charity has helped thousands of older adults and their animal companions to have a happier and more engaged existence together.

Louise’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was awarded both the Pride of Scotland Community Hero Award and The People’s Pet Awards Special Recognition Award for her work bringing rescue animals and the over 60s together and, in May 2023, the charity was one of three finalists for Animal Charity Team of the Year in The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards! In fact, we’ve won several awards.

Now in our 10th year, we have big plans around the charity, it’s growth and how we can reach more people, and rescue animals, who need our help!!

The story so far…

Statistics published by Age UK highlight a concern that older people can regularly go up to one month without speaking to anyone and many older people report often experience feeling lonely.

As so many older adults live alone, a pet can be an important source of company and affection. They also provide routine, encourage exercise and can give someone a sense of purpose.

So, how do we help?

If finances are a barrier to a person aged 60, or older, adopting a pet companion, we can:

• Contribute towards the re-homing fee of a rescue companion animal.
• Continue to support on a monthly basis, by contributing towards associated pet insurance and/or food costs.

We also support those in the same age group who already have a pet companion but are now struggling to afford them, by providing them with similar financial assistance.

We are constantly helping to support shelters by linking them up with prospective new owners and homes for their animals.

Additionally, we have three community spaces across Scotland where we tackle loneliness and isolation for older adults by providing a safe space for retired people to make new friends, learn new skills and mix with dogs.

Registered Charity Number SC044440

Phone Number 07969 742 858

Email Address hello@giveadogabone.net

Website Give a dog a bone…and an animal a home