The dogs of Shared Lives – International Dog Day 2025

Nixon, Baxter, and Charlie

A Shared Lives carer Lisa shares, “We lost our beautiful Nixon in August 2024, he was 14 years old… a very special dog… it devasted all the household.” (Nixon pictured below left).

With a quieter than usual house, Lisa and the family decided to rescue two brothers from Bulgaria, “…they had been discarded on a rubbish tip at a very young age,” says Lisa.

Baxter (the black dog) and Charlie (both pictured below right) arrived with Lisa and the household on 1^st February 2025 and have been enjoying going on long walks.

Lisa says, “We all miss our old boy Nixon, but we are enjoying settling Baxter and Charlie into home life.”

The dogs of Southend Shared Lives

Many Southend Shared Lives households have furry friends!

Stanley is a Pomsky who loves walks with Kerry (both pictured right), and equally Kerry enjoys them too because Stanley doesn’t pull and walks nicely at her pace. Kerry is supported by Shared Lives carer Jude who has made the guest room nice and cosy for Kerry and provides short breaks; they all like spending time together with Jude’s family.

Kelly and Ryan have Stan (all pictured below), a therapy dog who enjoys his role of people getting enjoyment out of him! Kelly says, “Stan the man! Stan is a very chilled bulldog who will be nine in December. He enjoys the finer things in life; sausages, chicken, smoked salmon and the odd bit of toast on Sundays!”

Ted (pictured at the top of this page) loves playing (he will let you throw a ball for hours), loves food and to be in somebody’s company. He is very cheeky and a little bit needy sometimes! He enjoys being taken on walks, running into mud, or fetching sticks.

And finally, Jenny, who is supported by Carol is pictured with Carol’s gorgeous dogs; Bailey (who sadly recently passed away) and Ruby. Carol includes her dogs in all she does with the people she supports in Shared Lives.