Scunthorpe dogs' home 50th anniversary

By Jo Makel

In 1961 work started on a new dog sanctuary at Broughton near Scunthorpe.

It was an attempt to change the prospects for stray and unwanted dogs.

At this time they would have been picked up by the police and placed in the police dog pound.

If unclaimed or unwanted they were often given a time limit after which they'd be put down.

But at this new sanctuary they promised never to put a healthy dog down. An unwanted dog could stay as long as it needed to.

The charity has seven rescue centres across the region

It was the vision of a man called Jerry Green, a property developer with a love for dogs.

Peggy Dornom, Jerry Green's niece has worked with the charity from day one.

"It all started with a dog called Rusty," she said.

"He was quite a naughty dog. The final straw came when he took the washing down. The mother said that's it he's got to go. Jerry Green heard about this and offered Rusty a home."

When Rusty died, Jerry Green was inspired to try to help other dogs. His charity is 50 years old this year and the sanctuary at Broughton is still open. Not only that, but there are now seven sanctuaries in all, down the east of England.

Now the charity rehomes about 2,000 dogs a year and over the last half century it has rehomed about 50,000 dogs.

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The charity's chief executive David Foulds

One couple who have taken in Jerry Green dogs is Liz and Peter Gilbey. They rehomed two Shetland sheep dogs; Jack and Rex. Both dogs, they say, have brought huge rewards for them and surprises too.

Jack had been very neglected and they thought he wouldn't survive for long. But that was three years ago.

Rex has turned out to have a rather special pedigree. A judge at a local dog show who had been a judge at Crufts spotted Rex's breeding. And luckily the couple were able to get hold of his Kennel Club papers.

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Liz and Peter Gilbey who have rehomed two dogs