Amy, Founder of the Marmalade Trust & Shirley the Schnoodle
15 June 2026
Amy & Shirley
This is the story of Amy, founder of the Marmalade Trust - a charity dedicated to tackling loneliness - and a gorgeous schnoodle named Shirley.
"I joined BorrowMyDoggy in 2018 when I wasn't able to have a dog of my own. I regularly borrowed a lovely little dachshund called Frank. When I was able to get my own dog, I adopted a lovely schnauzer-poodle cross called Shirley. It’s well known that having a pet reduces loneliness - a survey at BorrowMyDoggy found that 79% of respondents felt reduced feelings of loneliness and/or isolation by borrowing a dog.
I wanted to offer the same fun and socialisation to others that I experienced with Frank. It's been great to meet other people who love animals as much as I do. And of course, for Shirley to make some new friends too. She’s been a big hit on BorrowMyDoggy ever since!"
Loneliness
In 2023, a survey by Nextdoor in partnership with Marmalade Trust revealed that 85% of UK adults had experienced loneliness in the last 12 months. Almost half (44%) felt chronically lonely.
Loneliness is a natural human emotion that we are all likely to experience in our lives. It happens when there's a disconnect between the interactions we want, and the interactions we have. We're often vulnerable to it during periods of transition, like starting a new job, or moving to a new area.
"Connection is extremely important in reducing loneliness. And because of Shirley, I am lucky to have met many wonderful people. Everyone she meets loves her and her funny, bouncy energy. I really couldn't imagine a life without her!" - Amy Perrin
Social Connection
As founder of Marmalade Trust, Amy Perrin has experienced BorrowMyDoggy from both sides. First as a borrower, and now as someone who shares her dog. Her experience reflects something we both believe: that connection does not always begin with formal intervention. Sometimes it begins with something smaller.
As we mark Loneliness Awareness Week, we want to help shine a light on the many ways connection can form. That's the real power of BorrowMyDoggy. It's not just about dogs, but the human relationships that grow around them. Sometimes tackling loneliness starts with a big national campaign.
And sometimes, it starts with a wagging tail.
