Bromsgrove pair to help others find pet-friendly housing

Buy photos » The Stuarts’ sadness when beloved pet Sweep (pictured) passed away, was increased when they were told they were not allowed a new pet by their housing provider. (s).

A BROMSGROVE couple have become ambassadors for a care service and are hoping to prevent others going through the ordeal they did.

Anne, 67, and Trevor Stuart, 70, took on their housing provider when they ruled they were not allowed to replace their dog Sweep who had become ill and died.

The pair, who are lifelong animal lovers, had purposely chosen their new sheltered accommodation - a self-contained flat in Shenstone Close - on the basis it was pet-friendly.

Sweep (pictured) had been a major part of their life and had helped them settle into the new surroundings.

Anne said: “Had we been aware of this policy we would not have moved to the accommodation – being able to care for a dog is such an important part of our lives.

“When we thought we weren’t going to be able to keep another pet, we were devastated.”

However, the tenacious Stuarts took on their Trust, arguing the policy had not been made clear in the beginning and they won.

Their provider reviewed and altered the policy, thanking the Bromsgrove pair for raising the issue.

The Stuarts have now rehomed a greyhound called Susie.

Anne said after typing in their problem on to a search engine on the Internet they got in touch with the Blue Cross which helped them out tremendously.

Now the couple are representing Find Me Good Care to ensure others recieve the same level as support as they did.

The service supports elderly people, disabled, mental health sufferers, those with learning difficulties, substance misuse issues as well as carers.

It helps people make choices about their care based on what will be most appropriate for their needs.

Anne urged anyone who was suffering with a similar issue to their own to contact Find Me Good Care first of all.

She said: “Luckily, we overturned the policy, but that won’t be the case for everyone.

“It is extremely important that people are made aware of what care is available to them and are provided with all the options out there. People must be able to find support that suits them and fits in with the life they know and love.”

Visit www.findmegoodcare.co.uk for more on the service.

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