A local organization is helping to keep love in the home

A new branch of Elderdog is in the Westshore and in serious need of volunteers as it looks to help the community take care of aging people and dogs. Elderdog Canada’s non-profit organization has been running for almost 11 years, and has expanded to a number of cities across the nation; with the Victoria “pawd” growing larger each day, the group decided to split into a Sooke-Westshore branch, something that Bev Gosling is very excited about.

“There's going to be certain things that obviously are combined like in terms of looking after the dogs and the clients, we're kind of sharing the walking and work, but we're going to be self-sufficient with paperwork and onboarding,” says Gosling. “The [Sooke-Westshore pawd] covers Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Sooke, East Sooke, and Metchosin.”

Variety of Services

Elderdog’s services range in variety, and are a great resource for those having difficulty taking care of their dogs. Providing all-free options like dog-care support, rehoming, and long term and perpetual care, the programs are a great way for elders to keep their bond with their pup while still taking care of it. Gosling says she knows just how important it is to be able to keep your ‘best-friend’ during a time of need, as many of the dogs she’s walked have left an impact on her.

“There's a lady who had cancer and she had to have surgery and then followed it with chemo and the dog needed walking twice a day—not one volunteer can do that, so what happens in those situations is that you get a team together and ask during a two week period ‘when can you walk’ and everybody replies with their schedule,” says Gosling. “Unfortunately the lady passed in I think April this year, but the fact that she could stay home with the dog in her last days was invaluable.”

Gosling mentioned that the Elderdog team was even able to help rehome the dog shortly after, an unlikely case in many similar situations.

“A next door neighbor had lost her dog six months before, and so she knew the neighbour and asked if she could adopt her, so that was absolutely wonderful,” says Gosling. “Quite often seniors don't have anybody else, and if they have to go into the hospital, there needs to be somewhere where that dog can go, so we need this in the area.”

Opportunities for locals

With the new expansion, Gosling and the Elderdog team are hoping those who love dogs are looking to volunteer or potentially foster. Elderdog Sooke is currently offering a number of positions for locals to apply to and with a thorough check on volunteers, locals can be assured their dogs are in good hands.

“We’re all very friendly and all get along with each other, and it's really that we're all looking at the same point on the horizon on where we want to see Elderdog be a year from now, and I know we're going to get there soon,” says Gosling. “Those are the kind of people that we would love to join the executive team or just to join us as walkers—people who love dogs and need a ‘dog fix.’”

For those looking to volunteer, you can contact Bev Gosling with any questions.