A 17-YEAR-OLD 'loving and trusting boy' has found his happy retirement home in Lymm.

Tinker was re-homed from Manchester Dogs Home after the Mitra family from Lymm were looking to adopt a dog after their beloved rescue dog Poppy died unexpectedly aged five.

After their first family dog lived to 15, they already had experience of older dogs and they were keen to take on a ‘golden oldie’.

When they saw ex-stray Tinker on the dogs home website, it was love at first sight.

“When we saw a photo of Tinker and saw he was 17, we were immediately taken with him,” said Taniya Mitra.

“When we went to meet him at the dogs home he was so lovely.

“He’s settled right into our home, where he loves his walks and naps. He sleeps with his tongue out and he’s very clever – he’s got quite a knack for opening bins.

“He’s like a puppy in the body of an elderly dog, as he loves playing with his toys and likes all other dogs.”

Following the loss of Poppy, the family were very keen to take on an older dog.

“We wanted to give them a loving home in their twilight years and to be able to be there for them at the end – a chance that was sadly taken from us with Poppy, but which we think is the ultimate gift for a dog,” added Taniya.

“Tinker is such a loving and trusting boy, and we’re humbled by him. He’s the best gift and we’d really encourage people to think about adopting older dogs, who have so much love to give in their sunset years.”

Neil Outram, assistant manager at Manchester Dogs’ Home, said: “Tinker’s story is a fantastic example of the happy endings that can be made for older dogs and their new families.

“Older rescue dogs do get overlooked but they can make really wonderful companions.

“At Manchester Dogs’ Home we love it when adopters are willing to consider our seniors, who deserve loving homes just as much as the younger dogs.”

Seniors currently available for adoption at the dogs’ Home include 15-year old Yorkshire terrier cross Gwendoline, 12-year-old husky Tundra, Jack Russell terriers Rupert and Rambo (both eight), crossbreed Pixie (eight) and staffie cross Django (eight).

Anyone interested in adopting a rescue dog from Manchester Dogs’ Home should contact the Dogs’ Home on 0300 102 1212 or visit www.dogshome.net for more information.