We didn’t rescue him, he rescued us!

We got Benjy from Glasgow Dogs’ Trust and were so lucky to get him. We’d lost our beloved dog Vic recently and were devastated. Neither of us could go to the bathroom unless the other one was outside. We’d be constantly crying and when we weren’t crying, there was a awful numbness about us.

Food had lost all its taste. We’d lost all reason for living. There were times I genuinely thought of walking into the sea until it submerged me and I was no more.

Getting Benjy brought us back from the brink.

Maybe getting a rescue dog could change your life too?

Here are 5 good reasons to get a rescue dog -

1-You will be helping to put an end to the spread of puppy farms where puppies are raised in cages and treated like factory farmed cattle. Many dogs are so ill they have to be put down shortly after someone buys one.

People can be conned into buying a puppy from a puppy farm, by ads in local newspapers offering puppies for sale.

This is the reality of a puppy farm (I'm sorry for showing it, but all us animal lovers need to spread the word –

Thanks go to the Elia Hammon Trust for this distressing photograph- http://www.celiahammond.org

2-Unless dogs find homes they may end up being put down. Dogs Trust http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/ have a policy of never putting a healthy dog to sleep. Not every body that takes in animals can say that.

Fact – In 2008, eleven unwanted dogs were put down each day in Northern Ireland. Note - Unwanted does not mean they were in bad health.

3-It can seem unmanageable trying to change the world into a more caring one. By getting a rescue dog you will be making a difference.

4-Those who have rescue dogs say that they are more loving and loyal than other dogs.

5-Usually the charities you get dogs from can tell you about the dog’s personality. That way you know what to expect from your four legged friend.