Letter to Editor

Dear Editor,

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Dogs Trust this year. Your generosity and dedication have made a huge difference to dogs in need.

I am proud to share that, with your support, we have found new homes for thousands of dogs this year, and while these dogs waited for their forever families, we made sure they were cared for in a safe and happy place

This would not have been possible without our dedicated Dogs Trust team, and an army of volunteers, who selflessly give their time and energy to support our work. From walking and playing with our dogs to helping with administrative tasks, tackling the mountain of washing in our centres, and even reading to dogs in kennels, every moment they spend with us makes a real difference. Our foster carers also play a vital role, providing temporary homes for dogs until they find their forever family. To all of them, we are incredibly grateful.

Throughout this year, I have been inspired by the fundraising support we have received, too. Whether running marathons, climbing mountains, or attending our events, each effort helps us go beyond our mission.

Thanks to this generosity, we’ve also been able to provide services that keep dogs and their owners together, such as our free Behaviour Support Line, which has helped more than 7,000 dog owners in the last year. We also offer training classes through Dog School, and many of our rehoming centres and charity shops run pet food banks, helping owners meet the needs of their dogs. The support we received also means we can work alongside charities supporting people experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic abuse, helping keep loyal dogs and committed owners together in the most challenging circumstances.

So, as we approach the new year, on behalf of everyone at Dogs Trust, I’d like to wish all our supporters a very Happy New Year, one in which we look forward to helping dogs find their forever homes and continue to be a force for good in dog welfare.

For further information about our work and our wonderful dogs who all deserve to be in loving homes, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

Yours faithfully,

Owen Sharp

Chief Executive, Dogs Trust