Business mentor, speaker and angel investor Mark Lyttleton is a supporter of and regular contributor to Dogs Trust. This article will outline the history of Dogs Trust and the organisation’s incredible work today.
Since the charity was founded by Lady Gertrude Stock in 1891, Dogs Trust has strived to ensure a better future for dogs and the people who care for them. The organisation cares for dogs in distress, providing them with a home and loving family, and supporting dog owners who need help or simply cannot cope. Dogs Trust stands beside dogs and their owners through thick and thin throughout their lives, fighting to ensure that tomorrow’s world is a better place for all dogs.
Dogs Trust’s passionate, dedicates volunteers and staff have driven many achievements over the years, including expanding abroad to support thousands of dogs and owners all over the world, as well as playing an instrumental role in the implementation of new laws in the UK.
From the charity’s chief executive to volunteers and canine carers, Dogs Trust is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners both now and in the future.
Most modern dog owners view their pet as a beloved member of the family. However, when the charity was launched in Victorian Britain, attitudes were very different. Back in the 19th century, dogs were commonly used as working animals rather than kept as pets and there was a prevalence of cruel practices, like chaining dogs outside in all weathers and failing to feed them adequately or provide adequate veterinary care.
Dogs Trust was originally known as the National Canine Defence League when the charity was established. Since its relaunch as Dogs Trust in 2003, the organisation has celebrated many successes, from launching its Dog School to helping to change UK laws.
Britain’s leading dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust is proud of the many milestones in its long history, including playing a pivotal role in enactment of the Protection of Animals Act in 1911, when the British government passed legislation to ensure that any individual convicted of animal cruelty could be prevented from owning another animal in the future.
Dogs Trust strives to ensure that all dogs receive the care they deserve, revolutionising pet rehoming to make that happen. The organisation’s incredible network of foster carers open their homes and hearts to dogs in need, helping them onto the path of rehoming and fostering with a loving human family.
The average stay for a dog in one of the charity’s rehoming centres is just 46 days. However, some animals require a little more attention and care before they are ready to be rehomed. This could be necessary for a variety of different reasons – perhaps they have not had the best start in life and need extra support and reassurance. Some may have a health condition that requires exploration or additional training needs, while others may simply be overlooked.
Whether a dog stays in Dogs Trust’s care for a little or a long time, the organisation’s amazing staff and volunteers go above and beyond to ensure their dogs are loved and cared for.
