Volunteers bring festive spirit to Dogs Trust Manchester

As households across Tameside and the rest of the country prepare for Christmas, one Ashton resident is choosing to spend the festive season spreading kindness of the four-legged kind.

James Paterson, a dedicated volunteer at Dogs Trust Manchester, will be giving up both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to help make the holidays extra special for the dogs in the charity’s care.

James is one of 75 active volunteers at the Denton-based centre and one of 10 giving their time over the Christmas period. Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is supported by an incredible 3,800 volunteers and 622 foster carers nationwide, all helping in a wide variety of roles.

A familiar and friendly face on his regular Wednesday shifts, James brings enthusiasm, patience and compassion to every task, whether he’s out walking dogs, offering comforting cuddles, or rolling up his sleeves to clean kennels. Despite never having a dog of his own, his lifelong love for them shines through in every moment he spends at the centre.

Last year was James’s first Christmas as a Dogs Trust volunteer, and he describes it as a heart-warming and healing experience during a challenging time for his family. “I get so much pleasure from spending time with the dogs and helping out,” he said. “Volunteering last Christmas was a different start to the festive season for me, but it turned out to be an uplifting experience. Seeing the dogs happy was so rewarding, and I’m already looking forward to doing it again this year. It’s a great feeling whenever my efforts are appreciated by staff and our furry friends alike.”

James joined other volunteers last Christmas in handing out festive toys and taking part in a group dog walk, soaking up the cheerful atmosphere around the centre. This year, he’ll once again be helping ensure every dog enjoys the season—whether they’re waiting for a forever home or simply taking comfort in the warmth and affection of staff and volunteers.

Kerry Gromley, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Manchester, says the contribution of volunteers like James cannot be overstated. “Our volunteers are amazing, and the fact that James and many others are happy to spend time with us over Christmas shows their dedication. Across the country, in one year alone, our on-site volunteers give more than 4,000 hours of their time, which is incredible. Their generosity means our dogs benefit in so many ways, from additional walks and extra playtime to more one-on-one attention. This also gives staff more time to focus on dogs who need a bit of extra training or support to help them find their happy place in a forever home.”

Dogs Trust welcomes volunteers from all walks of life. Anyone aged 18 or over with a positive attitude and a love for dogs is encouraged to get involved, no previous experience is necessary. Whether you’re studying, working, or retired, the charity offers roles to suit different lifestyles.

For anyone inspired by James’s story and looking to make a difference this festive season or beyond, more information about volunteering can be found at www.dogstrust.org.uk.