In 2018, OSF attended an event at a GP surgery, where Joyce approached us.
It had been a terrible time for Joyce, aged 89, who had lost her husband and then three months later, her son, who was her only child. Having kept dogs for much of her life, Joyce was very keen to have a small dog to keep her company. OSF soon became aware of a little elderly dog, Taz, who needed to be rehomed from another OSF client.
Recognising Joyce’s urgent need for companionship, the adoption process was fast-tracked and Taz arrived at Joyce’s within three days of the assessment, just a month after the initial meeting at the GP surgery. OSF also paid for some essential dental work for Taz through our Animal Welfare Support Fund. Taz was well behaved, and Joyce was delighted with what turned out to be an excellent match. As Joyce needed a mobility scooter to get out, her neighbour’s son helped by walking Taz. Joyce absolutely adored Taz: she had a friend always by her side, who also guarded her and the house. Joyce told us at the time “Our Special Friends have been most helpful in finding my little dog and were very careful to ensure he was going to a good home. He is an absolute treasure and has given me a new lease of life after losing both my husband and only son in the last six months. I think this is a splendid charity and are providing an excellent service to elderly and such people.” OSF kept in regular touch with Joyce and contributed financially when Taz needed further dental treatment eighteen months later. After three and a half happy years together, sadly Taz fell ill and was euthanised to prevent ongoing suffering.
While Joyce decided whether she wanted another permanent canine companion, OSF arranged for her to receive weekly visits from a volunteer and their dog through our Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA) programme. Christina had previously adopted Griffle, a gorgeous, friendly dog through OSF and was matched with Joyce. The visits were very successful, with Christina’s daughter also coming along which was an added bonus for Joyce. However, after eight months Christina and her family moved away so could no longer visit. At this point, Joyce told us she wanted to adopt another dog of her own, but none of the dogs we knew of were suitable. In the interim, Joyce was keen to keep having AAA visits, so we matched her with a couple, Celia and Jonathan, and their characterful dog Bilbo.
Jonathan and Celia took turns to visit Joyce every week, initially with just Bilbo, then alternating with their younger dog Digby once he had passed his AAA assessment. They also supported Joyce with her adoption search whilst continuing regular visits. Six months later, by which time Joyce was 94 years old, an eleven year old Jack Russell cross, Archie, became available for adoption. Archie was not coping with the other dogs and cats in the home, so OSF spoke to Joyce who was keen to take him on.
Archie’s previous owner was delighted to find him a quiet calm home where he would be able to enjoy one-to-one company: “I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done to help me with Archie. It’s been such a hard decision, and I literally couldn’t be happier with the thought of him going to live with Joyce.” Archie settled in very well with Joyce, who was delighted to have a small, friendly, well behaved dog with her day and night. His playful character kept her amused much of the time! Joyce enjoys great support from her neighbours who like to take Archie for a walk, sometimes with Joyce in her wheelchair. Archie is very popular when he accompanies Joyce to her weekly lunch club, and when Joyce visits to a friend who lives at a care home, Archie loves to go along and meet the other residents. Our Volunteer Celia commented: “A more perfect outcome for this incredibly resilient lady could not have been achieved.”
