AN EAST Renfrewshire woman has been shortlisted for a volunteer of the year award by a national animal charity.

Louise Russell, 41, is in with a chance of scooping the top prize after being included among the nominees for the Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Awards 2017.

The Clarkston animal lover set up a charity called Give a Dog a Bone... and an Animal a Home three-and-a-half years ago to address a rise in the number of animal shelters in the area and an ageing population.

Louise’s organisation supports people over the age of 60 who struggle to afford to feed pets or who wish to rehome a pet but can’t cover the costs of rehoming fees.

The charity also provides help with monthly pet food costs.

Now in their fifth year, the Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards celebrate the work of charities and not-for-profit organisations which go above and beyond the call of duty to improve the welfare of vulnerable animals.

Reacting to her nomination, Louise admitted she “wanted to make a difference in the world”.

She said: “I was astonished to be told I was a finalist. I had no idea that I had been nominated, so it was just a lovely surprise to receive a call saying I had been selected as a finalist out of thousands of nominations.

“I switched from my corporate life a few years ago because I wanted to make a difference in the world and I feel blessed to be in such a fortunate position and lucky to have found my passion in life.

“This is epitomised for me when I see both the humans and their animal companions embark on their new life together.”

Louise added: “The difference it makes to the human is amazing. They often tell me how their new animal is the reason they get up in the morning and how they are just so much happier since they found their new companion.

“As for the animals, they can’t speak with words, but you can see the physical change in them. They’re less scared, learning to trust and play and completely content with the new chance they have been given.”

The award winners will be announced tomorrow at a ceremony in Birmingham.

For more information, visit the website at petplan.co.uk/charityawards.