Couple fostered dozens of dogs over 15 years

By Lula White

Meet the couple who have fostered 59 dogs and counting.

Nicole, 63, and Gary Wordsworth, 65, have spent the last 15 years taking pups from Battersea Dogs Home into their home in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire.

Working from home designing electronics full time, the two of them opted for part-time pups rather than one of their own.

Now retired, the couple have had a variety of dogs in their home - from a Siberian Husky to a Staffie.

The time they would care for a dog could be from a couple of nights up to 18 months - but they ensure there is no pressure as the dog home is happy to take them back whenever you need.

Nicole said: "In late 2011 we saw an advertisement for sponsoring dogs.

"Because we had been looking after friends' dogs and loving it we went in for a chat and had our first little Staffie called Marcel as our first dog.

"A lot of people ask us if we find it difficult - we find it so easy.

"We aren't the best home for every dog ever, that would be impossible, but we love to help get them out of the kennels when they are too stressed and need a quiet spot to perch.

"It's always a joy to hear how they are doing after they leave us. We don't mind that their stay with us is temporary, as we know each dog will have the best new home and that we are a part of all their stories."

The couple started fostering after looking after friends' dogs while they were on vacation.

Out of the 59 dogs fostered, the couple reflects on all the varieties of pups - saying there really is a dog for everyone.

Gary said: "It is impossible to pick a favorite, but some stick in your mind more than others as the family will keep you updated after the adoption.

"We also remember some dogs from certain parts of them - we had this unusual Siberian Husky once that we were very fond of.

"They all have characters though - and it is great to see all their nerves dissipating - and their actual personality coming out to shine.

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"Then you can report back to Battersea Dogs Home - you can tell them what toys they prefer, when they like their dinner, how far they like to walk.

"You help them find the best home for them by giving them the space and quiet to show you."

Among their favorite dogs were a 30kg American Bulldog, who played a trick on their owners while learning one.

Nicole said: "Gary and I were in the garden trying to teach him to sit, lay down, and to give his paw.

"I told him to roll over but he didn't do it because we hadn't taught him.

"We tried to go again, and we did the whole paw, paw, lie down, sit... then he did a perfect roll right in front of us!

"You never know who had them before being fostered - he must have remembered how to roll over from his past owner.

"He got his fairy tale ending too, because his original owner had found him on the ad and taken him back home!"

Their recent foster Stormy, a Husky, stayed with them for four months.

They said: "Stormy was very sweet. She had a smiley face and loveable quirks, including her 'happy food dance', when she would excitedly move from toe to toe as her food was being prepared.

"Unlike the Husky stereotype of being a little aloof, Stormy also loved a snuggle on the sofa."

Nicole and Gary may be retired, but they are adamant that work from home folk can take on foster dogs too.

Nicole said: "The people at Battersea Dogs Home don't expect you to know everything about dogs - and in fact they give you a lot of time, training, and pay for everything.

"If you don't think you can take on a certain type of dog you can always say that one is too much of a challenge as well.

"And they often give you the easy dogs to start with. None of them take too much effort, but you need to be there to help them with their nerves.

"It is so rewarding to see them relax and find their little personality poking out - you are doing a good thing - and you get to have a furry friend by your side - it's a win-win."