THE POOR pooches caught up in an arson attack which killed 60 dogs have received some new treats from a Redditch veterinary practice.
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre in Poplar Road donated food, beds, toys and collars to the 150 surviving residents at the Manchester Dogs’ Home, who have been temporarily relocated to Warrington following the fire which has attracted a public outpouring of generosity.
The items were taken up north by Stroud council officers Alexandra Myrie and Shelley Coles, who had to borrow a 3.5 tonne van to transfer all of the donations. The pair made the 300-mile round trip on Friday (September 19), stopping along the way in Redditch to load the van with more goods.
Ceri Land, Special Friends veterinary nurse, said: “Alex and I went to Hartpury College together, so when I saw their plans to go up to Cheshire on Facebook, I messaged her and asked if she’d mind calling in here on her way.
“We had some big sacks of dog food, dog beds, toys and collars to donate. As soon as we heard the awful news, we knew we had to help.”
Alex, animal welfare officer at Stroud District Council, added: “The national and international response to the fire has been amazing with almost £1.5million already pledged to help the dogs and rebuild the home, and locally the generosity of Stroud district residents has been equally heart warming.”
