A retired couple from Saddleworth have fostered an impressive amount of homeless hounds as a dog charity warns demand is soaring.

Elizabeth and Phil Ashton, from Delph, became dog foster carers in 2018.

Incredibly, the pair have since gone on to foster 41 dogs. 

Elizabeth, a retired medical secretary, said: “We both absolutely adore dogs and we had one many, many years ago but when we were both working it wasn’t fair to have one.

"When we retired we wanted to do something to help dogs in need and decided fostering was ideal for us."

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The couple have looked after Chow Chow puppies, a "beautiful" German Shepherd with separation anxiety, a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and many more.

"It’s the perfect scenario as we get to have a dog, or dogs, in our life but also know we are helping dogs that really need it.

"We can take a break whenever we want but we love it, which is why we’ve looked after so many.

“We’ve almost become failed foster parents several times as we’ve been tempted to adopt, but what keeps us going is knowing that there are so many dogs, especially at the moment, that need support and that’s what we are able to give.

"Knowing we have helped them on the way to finding their forever homes is wonderful", Elizabeth added.

Their love for fostering comes as the Dogs Trust Manchester is urgently appealing for more volunteer foster carers to sign up as demand continues to outstrip resources.

The trust said it is receiving record numbers of enquiries from people than ever before who are facing the horrendous decision of having to hand over their dogs.

The charity now needs more foster carers to provide a temporary home for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes who have nowhere else to turn.

Tracey Hill, co-ordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Manchester in Denton, said: “We are facing a crisis as our kennel space is really stretched.

"We need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible."

Ms Hill said fostering a dog is a "great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own" as the charity covers the essential costs while the carer plays the most important role - providing stability, love and care to a dog in need in preparation for their forever home.

Since Dogs Trust Manchester launched its Home from Home scheme in 2016, more than 900 dogs have been cared for by foster carers.

Currently, the scheme has 41 foster carers but with a waiting list of dogs needing to come into Dogs Trust, Tracey is asking local dog lovers to get in touch as soon as possible and welcome a dog into their life temporarily.  

She added: “We have dogs who are ready to be fostered anywhere from a few days to several months and we can be really flexible.

"We know life can be unpredictable, so we make sure foster carers can always take a break when they need one.  

“Our foster carers give our dogs valuable experience of home life, and they get to know what makes them tick; they can tell us everything from what are their favourite toys and treats to the kind of walks they enjoy to where they like to sleep.

"All that information gives us the best chance of ensuring our gorgeous dogs find their ideal forever home when the time is right. 

“So, if you think you can open your heart and your home to help a dog get back on their paws, please get in touch.” 

If you would like to apply to become a volunteer foster carer, visit dogstrust.org.uk/foster or call 020 7837 0006.

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