Meet the Leeds woman with a 21-year-old blind dog pushing people to foster older pets

Jenny Riley began her fostering journey a few years ago, housing dogs for people affected by homelessness who need access to temporary and emergency accommodation but can’t take their pets with them. 

Under the Leeds City Council-run Pet Fostering Scheme, the dogs would stay with her for any length of time between a week to two months. 

But out of the six dogs that Jenny welcomed into her home over the years, two furry animals - Max and Samson - made themselves a permanent addition to her home. 

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In 2019, the two dogs were 16-years-old and they were in her care for nine months before the owner took them back. 

A week later, the owner told the council that he did not want to keep them which led the authorities to approach Jenny again. 

Jenny, who also has four cats and another dog named Daisy Mae, said she was delighted to be able to help. 

Speaking to Local TV, Jenny said: “They pay for the feed and vet fees so there’s no expense for anyone taking in a foster dog, in that respect. The only expense is your time.”

Despite losing his companion Samson earlier this year, at the age of 21, as well as his sight and hearing, Jenny said Max remains “the friendliest dog” and would push people to also foster dogs in their senior years.

“It’s lovely to do,” she said.

“I’d recommend it to anybody with a bit of empathy and love for animals.” 

Watch the video above to meet Jenny Riley and her 21-year-old dog Max.