Charity’s Christmas wish for mature mutts

Rod with 14-year-old Jodie

THIS dressed-up dog definitely isn’t just for Christmas but has already had one wish granted — to spend the festive season in a lovely cosy home.

Ageing Jodie (14) is one of several homeless hounds who have spent most of their lives in the care of Animal Rescue Oldham.

Sanctuary founder and chairman Rod Smith recently took on Jodie, one of the more mature mutts, and within days he says she had a new lease of life.

“I reckon she will have another three or four years of happy life,: he said. “She has fitted in so well. I hope someone can do the same for the others.” Rod has just relaunched the charity he founded as Pike View Animal Rescue several years ago.

He explained: “These dogs have been with us for years. A few weeks ago we pleaded in the Chronicle for these older dogs to be taken on by older people who don’t want the hassle of a younger dog. We have managed to rehome most of them but still have these four lovely dogs. I just don’t want them to spend another Christmas or winter in the kennels.”

They are Ko-Jo, a 14-year-old Alsatian cross; Dodger (12) a black crossbreed; 12-year-old greyhound cross Max and 11-year-old crossbreed Robert.

If you’re interested in giving one of the elderly quartet a cracker of a Christmas — or re-homing any of the animals — visit the charity’s new shop at 122 Yorkshire Street for information.