Six cats and dogs cared for by national pet charity Blue Cross have helped to inspire a new clothing collection by fashion brand Oasis.
Jack Russell Terrier Flora, Dachshund William, Dalmation Harvey along with cats Rupert, Prince and Victoria feature on the collection of knits and blouses along with a scarf and bobble hat.
The pets were helped by Blue Cross’ rehoming centres in Suffolk, Southampton, Bromsgrove, Lewknor and Newport and many were treated by the pet charity’s animal hospital in Victoria, London.
The Blue Cross collection will be on sale to buy in nearly 300 Oasis stores and concessions and on the fashion retailer’s website from Tuesday 27 November, with prices starting at £16.
Among the pets to feature on the collection is Flora, who was found wandering the streets of Ipswich in 2017 as a stray with fur so heavily matted she struggled to walk and a lump the size of a melon protruding from her side.
After several operations to remove the non-cancerous lump and a number of masses on her tummy, the team at Blue Cross’s rehoming centre in Wherstead, Suffolk, found her a loving new home with Mike Elliston, who had recently lost his wife and dog in quick succession.
Mike, who lives in Essex, said: “In spite of all that she has been through, Flora is a happy little dog with a lovely personality and a tail that never stops wagging! She has helped me through a difficult time and I am very grateful to Blue Cross for the help and care they gave her.”
Rupert the cat was found as a kitten abandoned in a doorway with a broken jaw. Vets suspected the injury was due to the youngster being kicked in the face. Following intensive surgery, Rupert was rehomed by Blue Cross’s team in Newport, South Wales, to Irene Warden.
Irene, who lives in Newport, added: “I was so excited to hear Rupert was going to feature on the collection. The designs are beautiful – I particularly love the sweatshirt. Rupert looks fab. I think the whole collaboration is an absolutely fabulous idea.”
Each of the owners of the featured pets will be gifted an item from the collection by Oasis.
Sally de la Bedoyere, Blue Cross chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Oasis chose our charity to benefit with this unique new range of pet-themed clothing and gifts – all inspired by the heart-warming stories of real cats and dogs who came to Blue Cross needing our help.
“Each of the pets featured in the collection were cared for by our dedicated rehoming and veterinary teams across the country who help thousands of sick, injured, homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, small animals and horses every year. We hope Oasis customers love the range as much as we do.”
Oasis customers will be able to make a direct donation to Blue Cross in store and also on the retailer’s website. The fashion retailer will also be making a donation towards Blue Cross.
Briony Garbett, customer director at Oasis, said: “Like much of the nation, Blue Cross touched our hearts with their campaign last Christmas highlighting how pets change our lives. Knowing that our customers, many of whom are pet parents themselves, love a fun print and a characterful jumper we felt this was a perfect partnership and something we could really have fun creating. We are really excited about the range and incredibly proud to be supporting such an amazing cause.”
