CHARITY DELIVERS CHRISTMAS HAMPERS TO HOMELESS DOGS
14 December 2010
Dogs Trust helps pet owners in housing crisis this Christmas
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, will make this Christmas a more festive and cosy time for homeless dogs across the UK by providing them with canine Christmas hampers of collars, leads, coats, treats and toys.
The charity set up the unique Hope Project in 1994 and offers free and subsidised veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.
Clare Kivlehan, Dogs Trust Hope Project Manager, explains:
“The bond between any dog and owner is a strong one but for homeless people their dog is often their only friend and comfort. Alongside offering subsidised veterinary treatments and doggy Christmas hampers the Hope Project also encourages homelessness hostels and day centres to accept clients with dogs and helps them put in place practical guidelines. We’ve found that if a hostel does not accept dogs, then the owner will stay on the streets in order to keep their companion.”
A record number of 600 dogs belonging to owners in housing crisis will receive special hampers this Christmas.
Homelessness organisations or veterinary surgeries interested in finding out more information about the scheme should call Dogs Trust on 020 7837 0006 or email hopeproject@dogstrust.org.uk.
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Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for 16,000 abandoned and unwanted dogs a year through its national network of 17 rehoming centres.