A Glasgow dog fosterer is hoping others sign-up to help pooches transition into their forever home.
John Dawson and his wife, Mary, joined the DogsTrust scheme in the summer of 2021 and have enjoyed every minute of it. The 66-year-old has welcomed 15 furry friends into his home to prepare them for adoption.
John, who lives in the east end of Glasgow, decided to take up fostering after his own beloved chocolate lab died.
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He told Glasgow Live: "We had a 14-year-old dog who sadly died and the thought of getting another dog and going through the end of life experience again was too much.
"We're also aware that we are getting on a bit so we may not be around for a dog's 10 to 15 year life span.
"In June 2021 I saw an advert for dog fosterers and it just seemed to fit.
"So we enquired, filled in the form and they replied. The rest of history."
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The man, from Baillieston, loves caring for the pooches, but there is still one part of the experience he finds difficult - when the dogs have to leave. The goodbyes are the hardest.
John said: "Everything is positive apart from when they leave.
"I end up in tears sometimes when they go. The way I deal with it is that the dog isn't dying, it is just going to its forever home.
"Dogs are very good at adapting to changes and that is something I am still trying to learn.
"But I must admit some dogs I get very attached to, some are still in my heart."
The canine enthusiast believes that everyone benefits from the fostering process. However, it isn't all smooth sailing as different pooches struggle with different aspects of life.
The 66-year-old said: "It is a win for the DogsTrust because they don't have to look after the dog; it's a win for the dog because they aren't stuck in a kennel; it's a win for the fosterers because we get the benefit of having a dog but we aren't tied to it for 10 to 15 years and it's also a win for the adopters because the dog has adapted to home life.
"It has its challenges obviously.
"Every dog has its own issue of some description but DogsTrust support you 24/7.
"If it needs medication that is supplied, it's food, bedding and toys are also supplied. We even have 24 hour access to a vet if required."
The Dawsons currently have the glamorous Saluki/cross, Cindy, who has slotted into the family seamlessly.
Recently they received some very exciting news about the pooch. The dog lover said: "She is six-years-old and is absolutely stunning.
"The good news is that she has a family interested in her.
"She is full of beans but also very nervous. We don't think she got out much before, so it can be like taking a puppy out for the first time but she absolutely loves going out.
"Whenever she sees the lead or the harness she gets very excited.
"We've only had her a couple of weeks but she is much more confident now."
After the pooches they care for leave the home it can be difficult, however, the couple still stay in touch with some of their furry friends who have walked through the door.
John said: "We've fostered dogs for as little as four hours and as long as seven months.
"You can get very attached to them so it is nice to hear how they are getting on.
"If they get any feedback at all from the adopters it comes back to us. They'll phone us or send us a picture and it is really nice to know what they are up to."
You can find out more about dog fostering here
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