Dogs Trust Manchester celebrates first rehoming of 2026

Dogs Trust Manchester is celebrating a heart-warming start to the year as ten-year-old Mia becomes the charity’s first dog of 2026 to be successfully rehomed through foster care.

After more than a year of waiting, Mia, a gentle Labrador cross Shar Pei, has finally found her forever home, proving that older dogs still have so much love to give.

Mia came into Dogs Trust’s care in January 2025 after a change in her owner’s circumstances. While she had previously known the comfort of a home, life in kennels quickly became overwhelming. The noise and unfamiliar surroundings were especially difficult for the older dog, who was also suffering from a painful skin condition requiring ongoing medical care. Interest in rehoming her was limited, largely due to her age and health needs, and it soon became clear that Mia needed an alternative approach.

That’s when foster care became the turning point in her journey.

Long-standing Dogs Trust Manchester foster carer John Davenport welcomed Mia into his home, offering her the calm, quiet environment she desperately needed. In the early days, Mia was extremely nervous, often cowering at sudden movements. She was frightened of the lead, wary of other dogs and found the outside world unpredictable and overwhelming.

John said: “We began fostering when our own dog passed away, and I knew I wanted to help again. We had fostered before, so when Dogs Trust asked if we could help Mia, we were eager to support her, as she was really struggling in the kennels. At first, she was so scared, especially of other dogs, but with time and patience, she gradually began to trust again.”

With John’s gentle guidance and continued support from the Dogs Trust Manchester team, Mia began confidence-building work and positive behaviour training. She was introduced to other dogs slowly and at her own pace, rewarded for calm behaviour and shown that the world didn’t have to be such a frightening place.

Week by week, Mia’s confidence grew, and her skin condition improved with treatment. The dog who once froze with fear began to relax, explore and enjoy life again. By the end of her time in foster care, Mia was happily sitting in busy restaurants and even attending football matches with her foster family.

Her next chapter came just before Christmas when a couple visited for her first ever meet with potential adopters. It was immediately clear the match was right. Emily Littler, who adopted Mia, understood her gentle nature and was happy to let their bond grow naturally.

Emily said: “We instantly fell in love with Mia and couldn’t be happier to have her join our family. We can’t believe how quickly she settled – it feels like she’s been with us for years, not weeks. We always wanted an older dog we could give a retirement home to. She may be older, but age doesn’t matter when a dog has so much love to give. It’s such an exciting start to the year.”

Now settled into her forever home, Mia spends her days chasing a ball around the garden and snoozing contentedly on the sofa, enjoying her twilight years in a cosy and loving environment.

Lisa Eardley, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, said: “Looking at her now, it’s incredible to see how much she has changed over the past year. Fostering taught her confidence, patience and trust, and we are so grateful to John for all his care and dedication. We’re thrilled to be celebrating our first rehoming through foster care of 2026 with Mia and Emily.”

The rehoming centre is open to the public five days a week, with no appointment needed to meet dogs looking for homes, seek advice or apply to adopt.

Mia in 2025