Tilly is a 15 years old Beagle who came into Oldies Club care in January 2026 after a new baby arrived and the family could no longer dedicate the time to care for her properly.
Tilly was a little anxious when she first arrived at her foster home involving a lot of pacing but she settled within three weeks. She is now generally fine to be left alone for a few hours, and will just sleep, but she does prefer company. Her anxiety does flare up after car journeys and visits to unfamiliar places such as cafes but mostly when just sitting quietly.
Since arriving in foster care, Tilly has used her bark to let her foster carers know when she wants something, but the barking became more frequent – barking for food/ attention/ when there are visitors, etc. This could be a sign of dementia, but at night Tilly is quiet and sleeps through. Tilly was put on medication to see if this could help. Unfortunately Tilly’s behaviour was too much for her original fosterer so she moved to a more experienced home.
Due to her anxiety, frequent barking and potential dementia Oldies Club made the decision to place her in our sponsor dog scheme which means she will remain at her lovely foster home where she feels safe on a permanent basis, with the charity paying her vet bills and behavioural support for the rest of her life.
Since arriving at her permanent foster home Tilly’s need for food and company are being well managed and she has improved significantly. She is a very sweet but strong willed dog who is a master manipulator but met her match with one of her fosterers being a behaviourist.
Tilly is very good with other dogs. Her fosterers run a part time doggy day care and she gets very excited when the dogs and their owners arrive. She positively thrives with the other dogs being around but is very happy and ready to rest when they are gone. The rest of time time she is kept company by an older Greyhound who has a calming influence on her.
Despite her age, she is very energetic and loves to have a run around. She likes to run in short bursts. She has walks of around 30 minutes in the morning and again in the afternoon. She enjoys time in the garden where she likes to sniff the air, potter and do zoomies.
Tilly sleeps well at night, in a donut bed. She is quiet through the night and doesn’t get up until her foster carer goes into the kitchen in the morning. This might indicate that Tilly doesn’t have dementia after all, which would be wonderful. It could just be the case of a deaf old hound enjoying being at that age where she can do what she likes!
Tilly loves puzzle toys, treats, Whimzees for her teeth, her meals, and a licking pad as she loves food. She enjoys walks, running for short periods and zoomies around the garden. She enjoys looking out into the garden, and having snuggles.
Her fosterers say that nothing can stop Tilly’s zest for life. She always has a smile on her face and a spring in her step which is a joy to behold.
If you would love to offer a home to an oldie but your circumstances aren’t suitable, perhaps you would be kind enough to sponsor Tilly, or one of the other special oldies we are caring for in our sponsor dog scheme.