Denton dog lover Mo Bowes is celebrating ten years of volunteering at Dogs Trust Manchester - and being one of the longest-serving of the rehoming centre’s army of volunteers.

Mo’s volunteering journey began after she adopted Crossbreed, Maisie, from Dogs Trust Manchester in January 2015, and she says she can’t imagine life without Maisie, now 11, or volunteering.

With around 80 dogs on site, there is a never-ending need for clean blankets and bedding

placeholder image — With around 80 dogs on site, there is a never-ending need for clean blankets and bedding

Mo, 70, says: “Maisie had a tough start in life as she had been found as a puppy abandoned and neglected with lots of other dogs. Once I’d adopted Maisie, which was only a couple of months after the centre opened, I knew I wanted to help dogs still waiting to find a family of their own, so that’s where it all began.”

Mo is pictured with Maisie who she adopted from Dogs Trust Manchester and who inspired her to volunteer

Mo has thrown herself into many roles since joining the team including dog walker, receptionist, kennel cleaner and now she manages the laundry – a never-ending task as more than 100 dogs can be cared for at the centre at any one time.

Mo says she loves knowing what she does helps ensure the centre's dogs are comfy and cosy in their kennels

She says: “I have enjoyed every role I’ve had at Dogs Trust Manchester, and I love doing the laundry. It piles up every day and it’s so important that the dogs can be comfortable and happy in their kennels. I love seeing them relaxing or sleeping on a blanket or bed that I’ve got ready for them.

"Hopefully it makes their time at the centre a little easier to cope with and knowing I’ve done my bit to help, is really satisfying.”

Kerry Gormley, Volunteer Co-ordinator, says: “We have around 30 volunteers working alongside us and they are a vital part of the team. We rely on them to make sure our dogs can have everything they need and that includes a continual supply of lovely, clean bedding.

“Mo has turned her hand to many tasks during her ten years with us and we always know we can rely on her. She, and all our volunteers, are amazing and we want to say a huge thank you to Mo for being a constant source of support to staff and our dogs for the last ten years.”

To find out more about volunteering at Dogs Trust Manchester, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/manchester