19/06/2026
“When my family leave, I still have Willow.” 💙
As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, we’d like to introduce you to Willow and her owner Jean.
Like many people, retirement brought a huge change to Jean’s life. After years of working, being busy, and raising a family surrounded by dogs, cats, rabbits, and fish, she suddenly found herself living on her own.
Her family encouraged her to get another dog and, during their search, they came across a litter of six puppies in Romania who had been abandoned and found in a box.
One of those puppies was Willow.
With support from GADAB towards Willow’s rehoming fee and ongoing insurance costs, Willow came to live with Jean at just four months old.
At first, Willow was scared of everything. The world was unfamiliar and people made her nervous. But with patience, love, and time, Willow slowly began to come out of her shell.
And in many ways, Willow and Jean helped each other.
”I was a bit at a loss when I retired. Willow gave me a reason to leave the house. I talk to her all the time. In fact, she tries to talk back to me!”
It’s so much better in the house now. When my family come to visit, the house is busy again. But when they leave, I still have Willow.”
As Willow grew in confidence, they started attending GADAB’s weekly dog walks together. What began as a way to socialise Willow, soon helped Jean too.
”I’ve made friends as well! It doesn’t matter who is there, everyone talks to each other and makes sure new people feel comfortable and welcome. It’s an amazing, warm place where everyone is welcome.”
This is exactly why GADAB exists 🥹
If you’d like to help more older adults and rescue animals find companionship and friendship, please consider donating to GADAB this Loneliness Awareness Week ✨
👉 https://www.giveadogabone.net/support-us/donate/
