Devon dog lover finds forever friend after fostering 12 pups

A Devon dog lover has fostered a remarkable 12 dogs from Dogs Trust Ilfracombe in just two and a half years – and ended up adopting his latest foster, a six-year-old Greyhound called Kid.

Aidy Hammant-Shut first turned to fostering after the loss of his own dog. Having volunteered as a dog walker, he wanted to do more to help without taking on the full commitment of ownership.

“Fostering was the perfect balance,” he explained. “I could still have dogs in my life, and most importantly, help them on their way to new homes.”

Since then, Aidy and his wife have welcomed dogs of all shapes and sizes, giving them a taste of family life and preparing them for adoption. “The most rewarding thing is being able to give the dogs a fresh start,” he said. “Even just a few weeks in a foster home can make all the difference.”

Kid, a Greyhound who had spent 229 days in Dogs Trust care, quickly became a firm favourite. Overlooked by adopters despite his affectionate nature, Kid thrived in Aidy’s home. After a brief adoption fell through, Aidy and his wife decided to make him part of the family for good, officially adopting him on 8 May 2025.

Now, Kid enjoys memory-foam naps, family holidays and even behaved impeccably at a recent barbecue. “He’s kind, loving, and has a heart of gold,” said Aidy. “We couldn’t imagine life without him.”

Dogs Trust is now placing greater emphasis on fostering, with Ilfracombe rehoming centre focusing on home-based care to reduce time spent in kennels. The charity is calling for more volunteers to join its fostering network.

All costs are covered and full support is provided, with foster carers asked only to offer stability, love and care.

For more information or to apply, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/foster