Charity Shop for Rescue Dogs Faces Closure Amid Financial Struggles

A charity shop in Gloucester, dedicated to the memory of a man who rescued dogs from the brutal meat trade in China, is at risk of closing its doors. The Rushton Dog Rescue shop, located on Eastgate Street, has been operating for just over a year but faces financial difficulties after the landlord received a rental offer for the premises.

Paula Dicks, the shop manager and a long-time volunteer with Rushton Dog Rescue, expressed her deep concern over the potential closure. Dicks, who has been involved with the charity for 16 years, adopted her own dog, Walter, from the organization. The charity was founded in memory of Timothy Rushton, a homeless man who dedicated his life to saving dogs from the meat trade before his untimely death in December 2024 at the age of 27.

Dicks explained, “The charity started in memory of Timothy Rushton who was homeless and used to save dogs from the meat trade in China. We have made a significant impact on the community by rehoming street dogs and assisting vulnerable individuals, including the homeless and recovering addicts.”

The charity shop has served as an important community hub, offering support and rehabilitation to many. “We have facilitated Duke of Edinburgh awards and created a safe space for vulnerable individuals,” Dicks added.

Unfortunately, the shop is on borrowed time. The landlord has received an offer for the property that could force the charity to vacate. Current market rent for the Eastgate Street location is £2,000 per month, a figure the charity cannot afford. Dicks stated, “We could manage £500 per month, but even this would be a stretch.”

In an effort to secure the future of the shop, Dicks has been developing a business plan aimed at attracting funding and sponsorship. She hopes to not only keep the shop open but also to renovate the building to provide living accommodations for those in recovery. “My vision is to create a space where individuals can gain confidence and stability, helping them reintegrate into society,” she explained.

The sanctuary for Rushton Dog Rescue is located in Somerset, providing a permanent home for dogs that cannot be rehomed due to trauma. Dicks emphasized the importance of the Gloucester shop, stating, “If we lose the shop, we lose more than a shop; we lose a lifeline for rescue dogs and a beacon of kindness in our city.”

As the charity seeks to navigate these challenges, Dicks urges the community for support. “We are at our final hour and really need help,” she said. The charity shop not only serves as a retail space but also as a critical resource for those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion that Rushton championed.

For more information on how to assist the Rushton Dog Rescue shop, visit their official channels to explore potential funding opportunities or sponsorship.