Willows Veterinary Group has announced the launch of its annual Pawsome Pets Christmas Appeal campaign.
Held every year over the festive period, the campaign aims to help abandoned and unwanted animals over the festive period.
The veterinary group, which has a network of 24 small animal practices, is urging owners to bring in unopened pet food, new toys, blankets, bedding and treats for all animal types to any of its surgeries by Friday December 20.
Collected items will then be distributed across various animal rescue charities and organisations in the region, including Laurel Animal Rescue in Newton-le-Willows.
At the heart of this year’s campaign is Sasha, a six year old rescue dog taken in by Laurel Animal Rescue.
The black labrador-collie cross has been with the home for over a year, but is yet to find a permanent home.
Bev Gaffney, Laurel Animal Rescue’s founder, said she is “very grateful” for the Christmas campaign.
She said: “It costs us in the region of £18,000 per year to run Laurel Animal Rescue and approximately £3,000 of that is spent on food and cat litter alone.
“Having a boost in food and other supplies is such a help and just eases the pressure.
“We are so grateful to Willows Veterinary Group for including us in this festive collection and we know our animals will be extremely grateful too in their own way.”
David Crane, Willows Veterinary Group marketing manager, said: “Our clients have shown us year on year how extremely caring they are towards needy animals needing a little bit of extra TLC over the festive period.
“In past years, we have had trolley loads of food, blankets, bedding and toys donated by generous people across all of our surgeries and our teams work hard to make sure it finds its way to these lovely animals, like Sasha, all trying to find a new home.
He added: “The idea first came to us a few years back and it has been so popular that it is now an important part of our calendar and it’s a fantastic way to give great animal charities and organisations across the regions a Christmas boost.”
