100 year old collie finds love in time for Valentines Day

Rusty, a fourteen-year-old collie cross (*100 doggie years), has found love again after being left homeless when his owner moved away to Egypt.

Rusty was taken in by The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Southampton early in the new year, but he had a number of age-related health problems and the centre staff feared he would never be able to find a new home.

Luckily, Mrs Clipsham, a local pensioner, had been looking for an older dog to care for and she fell head over heels for Rusty when they were introduced. Mrs Clipsham has now become Rusty’s foster carer - with continued medical support from The Blue Cross - and she believes the honeymoon period will never end.

Mrs Clipsham said: "Rusty is an old dog but he’s a wonderful companion and has made such a difference to my life. He has two cataracts, he’s deaf and he has arthritis, but he’s also really loving and we’re taking care of each other. I’m so grateful to The Blue Cross for supporting us both with their fostering scheme - thanks to them I’ve found my perfect Valentine!"

Lara Alford, deputy manager at The Blue Cross centre in Southampton, said: "Watching Rusty come back to life with the right medication and a lot of love has been wonderful. Mrs Clipsham is an ideal foster carer, and at the time of year when everyone is talking about love and companionship, it’s great to see a pair who are made for each other."

The Blue Cross will continue to provide support and advice to Mrs Clipsham under the foster care arrangement, as well as paying for Rusty’s ongoing medical bills. The charity successfully rehomes more than 6,000 animals every year but is always looking for foster carers to take on those special pets with particular needs. Prospective foster carers should visit www.bluecross.org.uk <http://www.bluecross.org.uk> or call 01993 825 500 to find their nearest adoption centre.

Media contact: Su Crown
Direct line: 0207 932 466
Mobile: 07880 781 637

Notes to editors

Please enquire about photos of Mrs Clipsham and Rusty

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

All animals rehomed by The Blue Cross are microchipped, vaccinated, neutered and given six weeks’ free pet insurance.

For more information visit www.bluecross.org.uk