STAFF and volunteers at Dogs Trust West London in Harvil Road, Harefield, are saying a big thank you to its foster carers who have continued to go the extra mile for their charges during the lockdown.

Next week (June 1-7) is Volunteers’ Week, an annual celebration of the contribution millions make across the UK.

Currently, Dogs Trust volunteers are not able to help out at the rehoming centre, but volunteer foster carers have been doing their bit.

Zena Tredell, Home from Home co-ordinator, said: “Dogs that go into the loving homes of our foster carers are usually there for only a short time.

“But, because of the current situation, they have been there for a while longer than anticipated.”

Home from Home was introduced at Dogs Trust in 2016. There are 21 carers signed up to provide temporary homes for its dogs, and applications to become a carer are currently paused.

READ MORE: Uxbridge centre maps path for reopening shops

READ MORE: Send us your videos of the last Clap for Carers event

There are 14 of its dogs out in foster homes. Two of those loving life together are Leila, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Winnie, a Miniature Daschund, who are living with Jill Bowman.

Jill said: “Miniature in size they may be, but not in personality - that’s for sure! It is so rewarding to see them running and gambolling in the fields.” 

Other volunteers are not currently able to help on site with the usual tasks of walking, cleaning kennels and laundry.

The centre is still closed to walk-in members of the public, but from Monday appointments can be booked.

Potential new owners will be able to meet a dog in an outside play area or a training barn.

www.dogstrust.org.uk