Charity Shop at Risk of Closure After Helping Rescue Dogs

A charity shop in Gloucester, dedicated to the memory of a man who rescued dogs from the meat trade in China, faces potential closure due to financial difficulties. The Rushton Dog Rescue charity shop, which has been operational for just over a year, has made significant strides in supporting both rescue dogs and vulnerable individuals in the community.

Paula Dicks, the shop manager and a long-time supporter of the charity, expressed her urgency to maintain operations. “We have been rehoming street dogs and playing a major part in rehabilitating the homeless and recovering addicts,” she stated. The shop, located on Eastgate Street, has been instrumental in providing a safe space for those in need, but the landlord has received a higher rental offer, prompting the charity to seek new funding sources.

The charity was founded in memory of Timothy Rushton, who tragically passed away at the age of 27 in December 2024. He dedicated his life to saving dogs, inspiring the mission that continues today. “His compassion for dogs inspired a mission to save, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need,” Dicks reflected. Rushton’s motto, “Don’t give up on the dogs. They haven’t and neither will we,” encapsulates the charity’s ethos.

In its brief tenure, the shop has achieved notable goals, including rehoming numerous dogs and facilitating community programs. Dicks, who has been involved with Rushton Dog Rescue for 16 years, initially started as a volunteer after rescuing horses from floods. She has since taken on various roles, including fundraising and now managing the charity shop.

The current market rent for the shop is £2,000 per month, a figure that the charity cannot sustain. Dicks indicated that even a reduced rent of £500 would be a challenge. “We are at our final hour and really need help,” she emphasized. The charity is now working on a business plan to attract potential funders or sponsors, aimed at securing the location and continuing its vital work.

Dicks envisions a future where the shop not only serves as a retail space but also provides accommodation for those in recovery from homelessness and addiction. “Our long-term vision is to secure the building, renovate the upstairs flat to provide safe accommodation for the homeless, and continue running the shop as a vital community hub,” she explained.

The Rushton Dog Rescue charity shop has become more than just a place for transactions; it represents a lifeline for many. “If we lose the shop, we lose more than a shop; we lose a lifeline for rescue dogs and a safe space for the vulnerable,” Dicks stated passionately.

For those interested in supporting the charity, further information can be found on their website. The community’s support could be crucial in helping maintain this beacon of kindness in Gloucester.