A CARING charity who bring lonely pensioners and pets together are setting up shop in Troon.

Give A Dog A Bone will be taking over the old TSB premises in Ayr Street and will open their doors in November.

It will be their second base in the west of Scotland following a successful opening in Shawlands in January.

The charity are concerned about the rising number of animals in shelters and about loneliness in our ageing years and want to bring animals and the over 60s together by providing two services: They will support the local over-60s population – who are struggling to afford to feed their pets – by providing help with their monthly pet food and/or insurance costs. Their hope is that this will prevent this group from handing their beloved pets into overcrowded shelters.

And they will support over-60s – who are unable to afford a pet – to benefit from the love of an animal. If they choose to re-home an animal from a shelter, we can pay for all associated re-homing fees, whilst providing on-going monthly support with pet food costs.

If they choose to re-home an animal from a shelter, they can pay for all associated re-homing fees, whilst providing on-going monthly support with pet food costs. If they meet the criteria, money has to be a genuine barrier and it has to be a rescue animal on low income.

They know from many years of research, and first-hand experience, that pets can have a positive effect on the well being of their over 60s owners.

Many of these individuals live alone and their pet is the main source of company and affection.

Pets are constant companions and can bring welcome relief from the adverse effects of loneliness in our ageing years. They can provide their owners with the motivation to rise in the morning, and also with the feeling of being needed.

Charity founder Val Russell said: "The charity has been going for five years. We opened in Shawlands in January and wanted to extend our charitable service. We are tackling loneliness and isolation through companionship in Shawlands and Troon will be our second community space. Shawlands has been a success and we have a bright unit in Troon and look forward to welcoming the community.

"We provide financial relief to people in their 60s and above to afford a rescue pet companion and tackle homeless.

"The people we help have to be over 60 and genuinely in need of financial support with say a dog, rabbit or cat - it has to be a rescue pet. They have more time on their hands than people juggling kids. We have great support on Facebook.

"We offer social and canine companionship to retired people. We also have free courses for over-60s and things including a dog walk and a pet food bank and drop-in session for people who come in and want a blether.

"A lot of people don't want a dog but if they are animal lovers they can come and see us. I picked Troon as it's a doggy place I take my dog there and It's known as a retirement spot.

"Our message is that we need local support the community to rally and get involved. We need volunteers, and donations. People might want to donate say an hour of yoga or mindfulness. We need the community to get behind us. We get the keys on October 1 and will be open by November."