With Christmas just around the corner, Dogs Trust Ballymena is making an impassioned plea to Northern Ireland’s dog lovers: look beyond the adorable puppies and consider opening your heart and home to an older dog this festive season. The trusted charity, which has been a beacon for animal welfare since 1978, is also issuing crucial advice on keeping canine companions safe from the season’s hidden hazards—especially those lurking on the dinner table.
At the bustling Ballymena shelter in County Antrim, every kennel is full. More than 50 dogs, from energetic pups to dignified seniors, are waiting for a chance at a new life. While the demand for puppies remains high, rehoming manager Sarah Park says there’s a special magic in adopting a mature dog. “You get to make the rest of their life as happy as possible,” Park explained, highlighting the unique bond that forms with older dogs. “Everyone does want puppies. They’re very cute, but they’re also a lot of hard work. At least with an adult dog or an older dog you have a bit more of an idea of what size they are, what their energy levels are, and what they’re looking for. They seem to just appreciate everything you’ve done, if you do take on one that’s a little bit older, and just make their life as nice as possible for them.” (Northern Ireland World)
Among the shelter’s most senior residents is Trixie, a sprightly 13-and-a-half-year-old Yorkie. Then there’s Zebedee, a 10-year-old springer spaniel cross who has called the shelter home for about two years. Zebedee is the centre’s sponsor dog, a role that comes with a larger kennel and plenty of love from staff and supporters alike. “Zebedee is a special boy, he is a 10-year-old springer spaniel cross. He’s a big boy. He loves a sofa, so in his fancy kennel, he has his own little armchair, which he gets to nicely recline on,” Park shared. His popularity is evident—Christmas presents and cards pour in for him, and the mailman is often left wondering about Zebedee’s celebrity status.
Supporters can sponsor Zebedee for £1 a week, receiving regular updates and even booking visits to meet him. “Sponsor dogs get a nice, bigger kennel because we know they’re gonna be here a little bit longer with us, so he’s been with us a couple of years now. We love him dearly. He does a lot of off-site walks… we try and enrich his life as much as possible. This here is his happy place, we are always trying to make it as great and nice for him, and we’re just waiting for that person that’s going to be his forever person,” Park said. (Northern Ireland World)
But Zebedee isn’t the only golden oldie hoping for a second act. Audrey, a 12-year-old springer spaniel cross, is also searching for a retirement home. She’s a gentle soul who enjoys her daily walks and would love a spacious garden to potter about. Audrey can be a bit shy, so she’d need a few meet-and-greets before settling in with her new family. The staff at Ballymena have all fallen for her sweet nature, and they’re determined to find her the perfect match.
The process of adopting from Dogs Trust is as thoughtful as it is thorough. Prospective owners start by creating an online account and filling out an application that details their home, lifestyle, and the type of dog they’re hoping for. Rather than selecting a specific dog, applicants can add favourites to help the team understand their preferences. The chosen rehoming centre then assesses the application and works to find the best match. If there’s no immediate fit, the application stays open for three months, and applicants can update their preferences as new dogs arrive.
For those who can’t adopt, sponsoring a dog like Zebedee is a rewarding way to help. The sponsorship package includes a photo certificate, postcards, a window sticker, and a fridge magnet, along with updates three times a year—at Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and summer. By sponsoring, supporters are also helping Dogs Trust care for the 1,500 animals in its care across the UK. There are currently 20 other dogs available for sponsorship at various centres.
Dogs Trust also runs the “Chance of a Lifetime” scheme, a lifeline for dogs at risk of being put to sleep after just five days in a pound. This programme transfers such dogs to one of the charity’s 21 centres across Britain, saving up to 16 dogs each week. “Dogs are euthanised just five days after they are not reclaimed, so this programme gives these dogs a second chance at life,” Park explained. “It just means that these dogs get to go and start a new life over there and aren’t being put to sleep.” (Northern Ireland World)
While the focus remains on finding loving homes, Dogs Trust is also sounding the alarm about the dangers of festive foods. According to the charity, many holiday staples—grapes, raisins, sultanas, chocolate, onions, garlic, leeks, macadamia nuts, avocado, and products containing xylitol—are highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Startling new data from Petplan reveals a 49% rise in claims for grape and raisin poisoning compared to chocolate poisoning in 2025, suggesting that many owners are still unaware of these risks. (Northern Ireland World)
Alcohol is another major hazard. Spilt wine, beer, or creamy liqueurs can quickly make a dog ill, leading to vomiting, disorientation, or worse. Rich and fatty foods like pigs in blankets, roast trimmings, and gravy can cause stomach upsets or even pancreatitis. Cooked bones, such as those from turkey or chicken, can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries—a risk that’s all too easy to overlook when the family is gathered around the table.
Charlie Dobson, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, emphasized the importance of vigilance: “We all want our dogs to feel part of the Christmas celebrations, but the best gift you can give them this Christmas is keeping them safe in their happy place. It only takes a few simple steps to protect them from festive food hazards, and in doing so, you’ll ensure they spend the holidays exactly where they belong, right by your side, as you make those special memories together.” (Northern Ireland World)
To help pet owners navigate the festive minefield, Dogs Trust has shared eight top tips: avoid toxic treats, keep alcohol out of reach, don’t serve a doggy Christmas dinner, beware of cooked bones, maintain regular routines, give treats in moderation, store hazards safely, and be prepared for emergencies by knowing your local vet’s contact details. For those wanting to treat their pets safely, the charity offers vet-approved festive snacks like Spiced Apple Celebration Cupcakes and a Bark-cuterie Board.
Dogs Trust also urges those considering a new furry friend to steer clear of unethical breeders and puppy farms. “With buying a dog, there is so much to consider and stuff that you want to make sure you’re actually finding out, such as if it is from a breeder. Make sure they’re an ethical breeder and you’re not funding into a puppy farm, because it’s not a nice life for any of those dogs that they’re breeding—they’re overstocked and all that sort of stuff. So, if you are interested in getting a dog, really do consider rescues. There’s lots of rescues in Northern Ireland,” Park advised. (Northern Ireland World)
As Christmas draws near, Dogs Trust Ballymena stands as a reminder that every dog—no matter their age—deserves a loving home and a safe, joyful holiday. For those willing to look beyond the puppy phase, the reward is a loyal companion and the chance to make a real difference in a dog’s life.
