Dogs Trust's oldest rescue dog, 15, looks for retirement home to nap and snuggle

When adopting a canine companion, their age often plays a big factor, and senior dogs are usually cast aside in favour of puppies.

Despite there being so many benefits to owning an older animal - such as less training and exercise - Dogs Trust say they are amongst the hardest to find homes.

The animal welfare charity is urging adopters to consider rehoming senior pets, following an influx in the number stuck at rescue centres.

Shih Tzu Billy is Dogs Trust's oldest resident in the UK at 15 years old, and one of the many elderly animals struggling to get noticed.

Billy hopes to end his life with a loving family (Dogs Trust)

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Phoebe Parsons, a spokesperson for Dogs Trust, told The Mirror: "Beautiful Billy is an endearing gentleman, who despite his older age, still has plenty of love to give his new family.

"He would enjoy nothing more than a relaxing retirement home to call his own."

Billy is both visually and hearing-impaired and is hoping to find a supportive home where he can live out his twilight years.

He is looking for a patient, adult-only family who would enjoy having a new 'shadow', as Billy likes to keep in close contact and follow people around.

He gets very attached to his favourite people (Dogs Trust)

"His favourite pastimes include tucking into a tasty meal and snoozing the day away on a cosy bed, or taking a nap by his favourite person's feet," Phoebe said.

Billy could potentially live with another older dog, who would be tolerant to Billy's clinginess and clumsiness.

Having a garden of his own is essential, so that he can benefit from having a good sniff around on familiar ground.

The old man would like to live in a home where he always has company, so a minimum of a two-person household would suit him best.

His adopters will need to be local to the Shoreham rehoming centre.

Billy is just like a typical elderly gentleman (Dogs Trust)

Dogs Trust Shoreham manager, Adel Burnett, said: "Not only can adopters of older dogs enjoy all the wonderful moments their canine companion brings, knowing that they have given a senior dog a peaceful and loving home for their later years is a heart-warming feeling which can't be matched."

Among Shih Tzu Billy is 14-year-old Lowchen Princey, 12-year-old Jack Russell Arnie and nine-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Ella.

If you would like to adopt any of these senior dogs, please visit Dogs Trust's website.

Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.