Jack Russell, 15, gets Stourbridge home as more dogs rehomed

Libby arrived at the Blue Cross Bromsgrove rehoming centre, having lived her whole life with her owner who could no longer keep her.

But thanks to Stourbridge dog lover Alan Williams she’s been given a loving new home to live out her days.

Mr Williams, who has a history of caring for elderly dogs, described the transition as a mutual blessing.

He said: “It's an honour and a privilege to look after older dogs, even though within 18 months to two years, you’re likely to be saying goodbye. I like to think that, underlying everything, Libby's grateful for being in a home. I reciprocate by being grateful that she's consented to living with us, without fuss. It's a two-way thing.”

Data from animal organisations shows there has been a rising number of people opting to rehome a pet over buying a new pet in recent years.

More than 3,600 animals were rehomed by animal charity Blue Cross in the last year, and the charity has seen a massive 122 per cent surge in dog adoptions since 2021.

Aly Jones, director of Rehoming at Blue Cross, said: “We are delighted to see so many people thinking about how they can help an animal and choosing to give a rescue the chance of a new home rather than opting to buy a new pet. It’s a trend that’s been growing over the last few years and it means more animals than ever are finding a forever home that’s right for them.”

Additionally, Pets at Home pet care company has seen an uptick in its VIP Club sign-ups from rescue pet owners.

In the opening three weeks of the new year, more than 12,000 rescue pet owners joined, representing 1 in 10 of all new registered animals.

Kathryn Imrie, Pets at Home chief consumer officer, said: “It’s heartening to see so many new pet owners opening up their homes to an animal in need and as more and more people bring a pet into their lives in this way, it reinforces how we truly are a nation of pet lovers.”