Worksop pensioner stars in teary orphaned dog video for sanctuary

Ann Howe, 82, who has been fostering dogs along with husband Roy since 2012, plays the role with Bullet - the couple’s most recent rescue mutt - in scenes from her own home.

In a tear-jerking scene the fictional OAP Ann portrays falls ill as the dog looks on - then he is seen being left outside the shelter in a cage with a note reading “my name is Alfie, my owner has died, there is on-one to look after me”.

As a slow, piano version of Coldplay’s Fix You is heard in the background various prospective owners visit Alfie the dog at the sanctuary but the hopeful canine is rejected.

However he is finally rehomed and visited by his late owner’s ghost - watching over him until the right family takes him in.

Ann and Roy - married for 60 years - have had dogs all their married life and always rehomed rescue puppies.

However, aware that they were getting older, the couple were worried their next puppy might outlive them - so they approached North Anston’s Thornberry Animal Sanctuary - who have a foster scheme for old and unwanted dogs.

They began fostering dogs in 2012 from Thornberry, taking in Bullet - their fourth foster animal.

Speaking about the weepy film Ann said: “I loved every minute of filming and helping Thornberry made me feel really happy.

“I never thought I would be doing something like this at 82 - it has really done my self-esteem the world of good.

“It reminded me that I could still do things and I would even say it brought me back to life, if you’ll excuse the pun.

“I didn’t think I would do anything again at my age so I hope I did everyone proud.”

Ged Jenkins-Omar, fundraising manager at Thornberry, said: “We all get inspired by John Lewis’s and other Christmas adverts and we thought it would be great to do one with a Thornberry dog.

“I wrote Alfie’s Hope based on the sad situation we see often - where a dog or cat comes to us because their owner has died - and the advert explores the journey some of our animals go through.”

Thornberry are desperately in need of new kennels for their dogs - and they’re hoping the video will inspire canine-lovers to part with some much-needed cash this Christmas.

Ged added: “We wanted to raise awareness and funds for the sanctuary during what has been a difficult year for all.

"2020 has seen a drastic increase in underground breeding and dog thefts as the demand for dogs has increased.

“It’s expected that next year animal rescue charities like Thornberry will bear the brunt of this as owners give up their dogs to go back to work, realise that they are unable to manage their behaviour or that they do not suit their circumstances anymore.”

You can donate to donate to Alfie’s Hope appeal at www.justgiving.com/campaign/alfieshope.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.