How I became a CareDog

Hello… it’s Nola here 🐾

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

I’m a Belgian Malinois Mix, and my journey started all the way back as a rescue from Macedonia. My sister, Haven, was lucky enough to be adopted by my lovely human auntie, so we get to stay in touch!

When I first found my forever home, I was a very nervous girl. I used to find it hard to look people in the eye, and I was pretty wary whenever someone tried to pet me. Everything felt a bit overwhelming back then.

But in 2021, everything changed - I became a CareDog! I’ve fully embraced my role as an ambassador, and my confidence grows every single day.

I’m still a bit cheeky sometimes though! I may have "accidentally" stolen someone’s sausage roll during our CareDogs Christmas walk... but can you blame a girl for trying?

I also love walking with my human grandad. He says I’ve given his knees a new lease of life, but I think he just likes my company!

I always look forward to seeing my best pal - my human’s nine-year-old nephew, who is our littlest human ambassador.

I’ve come a long way from that shy rescue pup, and I’m so proud to be part of this pack!

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,
Nola 🐶

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