'Treat them like our own': Dogs Trust staff spoil pooches on Christmas

The charity’s employees treat the dogs like their own all year round – but they get extra special treatment on December 25 when they wake up to new toys before enjoying a turkey dinner.

Claire Herd has worked with Dogs Trust for the past six and a half years.

The 31-year-old has come full circle after first starting as a volunteer for the charity in West Calder when she was a teenager.

“I've always loved dogs,” she said.

“My parents wouldn't let me get one, so I volunteered at Dogs Trust back in the day when you didn't have to be 18.

“But it kind of backfired on my parents because I would come home and be like ‘Oh my gosh, there's this dog, we could get them’. And they're like, ‘no, no, just keep volunteering’.”

Claire, who lives in Cambuslang, went on to study zoology at university due to her love of animals.

She is currently the media coordinator at the Dogs Trust Glasgow centre on Hamilton Road, after working as a canine carer for five years previously.

“Obviously the biggest highlight is when the dogs get rehomed,” Claire said.

“You get nice updates about them settled in. That's the end goal, really.

“It’s the biggest dream that we can ask for.

“Other wee highlights are getting the dogs to come out of their shells or making training progress with them. For example, if you've got a dog that's quite worried around other dogs and you manage to successfully get them to make a dog friend.”

Staff work 365 days a year to ensure the dogs are happy – no matter what.

Claire revealed members of the team have walked miles in the snow to get to the centre during storms. 

She has historically worked Christmas Day for the past few years but is working New Year’s Day this year.

She said: “I quite like working Christmas to be honest, because it actually gets me out of cooking!

“It's also really nice to spend it with the dogs. We do spoil them rotten.

“They get chicken or turkey mixed through their dinners, and they get lots of toys.

“We get quite a lot of donations over Christmas; people are so generous. There are local dog walking groups that do big collections for us as well as a lot of companies so we're really fortunate in that regard.

“We use the donations to spoil the dogs and make their Christmas special.”

Here are just some of the pets at Dogs Trust Glasgow looking for new homes:

Peach

The five-year-old Great Dane can be unsure of new people but quickly warms up when she gets to know you. 

She has so much love to give especially in return for scratches and snuggles.

Little is known about her past life. She can be a little reactive when she sees other dogs in the distance but has been learning through positive training.

Tyson

The six-year-old friendly crossbreed loves his comforts. Staff say he steals the hearts of everyone he meets.

He does like his own space when he meets other dogs so he would like a home where he is the only pet. 

Layla 

The four-year-old collie cross is a smart girl who knows several tricks and is eager to pose for photos. 

She loves playing with toys but doesn't understand cycling so can be reactive to cyclists when out on walks and needs kept on a lead. 

Staff at the charity say her ideal day is filled with bacon and listening to Beyoncé.

Duke

The eight-year-old dobermann whose greatest love in life is playing with tennis balls. He will play fetch all day long if given the opportunity. 

He is a cuddly boy who would like to be the only pet in his new home. 

Alfred

The one-year-old lurcher cross also loves to play.

He is sociable with other dogs but is looking for an adult-only home with a garden where he can run and use up his youthful energy. 

Staff say he can zoom faster than Lewis Hamilton.

For more information about any of the above dogs, and all others at the Dogs Trust, or for details on how to apply to rehome, click HERE. 

Meanwhile, to view a list of items including food and toys you can donate directly to the centre, click HERE.