How I became a CareDog

Hello… it’s Joey here 🐾

Thank you so much for sponsoring me. I’m really glad you’re part of my CareDogs pack.

I’m a 5 year old rescue, and I’ve had a bit of a journey. I was found wandering the streets in Romania before my human, Kate, adopted me and brought me home. She helped me feel safe again, and then got me involved with CareDogs so I could help other people too. Now we go out walking together with my clients, which is basically my favourite thing.

I’ve also got 18 different breeds in my DNA. No one’s quite sure what I am, but I like to think I got the best bits of everything. Big heart, big smile, and very serious about my walks.

I’ve got two special humans I spend time with, Sean and Wendy. They’re my befriending clients, but really, they’re just my people.

I’ll be honest… I didn’t always find humans easy. When I was on the streets, I got really scared of men. It stuck with me for a long time. But Sean has been patient with me, and kind, and steady, and now things feel different. I’m not so scared anymore. Now when I see him, my tail goes into overdrive and I can’t wait to head out together. Turns out, we’ve helped each other.

Wendy and I love our walks too. She says it gives her a reason to get out and about, which sounds important. I just know I’m happiest when we’re out together, exploring and having a good wander.

I love long walks, the longer the better if you ask me, and I take my job very seriously, making sure my humans feel good, get some fresh air, and have someone by their side.

There’s a little video of me below, out in action, doing what I do best 🐕

Thank you for helping me do that. I couldn’t do it without you.

Love,
Joey 🐶

FAQs

  • Sponsoring a CareDog means helping to fund their walks and community visits that bring companionship, joy, and connection to older people. Your monthly gift supports the charity’s running costs, training, and coordination that make every walk possible.

  • Yes. We’ll send you regular email updates three times a year with photos and stories showing how your support is changing lives.

  • You can choose a sponsorship level that suits you. Most sponsors give between £10 and £20 a month, but every amount makes a difference.

  • Your sponsorship helps fund volunteer training, safeguarding, insurance, and programme coordination — the vital infrastructure that ensures every walk is safe, consistent, and delivered to the highest standard.

  • Yes. If you’re a UK taxpayer, you can add Gift Aid at no extra cost, allowing CareDogs to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate.

  • Yes. You can sponsor a CareDog in someone else’s name, and we’ll send them a personalised digital certificate and welcome message.

  • Yes. You can sponsor a CareDog in memory of someone special, whether that’s a much-loved person or a beloved pet.

    It’s a meaningful way to remember them while supporting CareDogs’ work tackling loneliness through companionship and community walks.

  • We’ve chosen to offer digital sponsor packs to keep costs low, reduce waste, and ensure more of your donation goes to supporting older people and the community,

  • If a CareDog retires or moves on, we’ll let you know and transfer your sponsorship to another CareDog so your generosity continues to support the same vital work.

For any other queries, please contact fundraising@caredogs.org.uk