Vets Rustle Up Treats for War Dogs
Staff at Blythman and Partners veterinary practice have been overwhelmed by the support for its appeal to reward service dogs in Afghanistan.
Animal lovers from all over the North East have donated treats and toys, filling nearly 200 shoeboxes in recognition of the Arms and Explosives Search dogs deployed on the front line.
The appeal was born when Donna Heron, head nurse at Blythman and Partners' South Shields branch, heard accounts of the dogs from a close friend on a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
All eight of the branches have taken part and donations have flooded in, filling twice the original target number of shoeboxes.
Donna said: "We couldn't have imagined just how generous the response to our appeal would be. There have been a lot of personal tributes that are particularly touching - we've even had letters from guide dogs, hoping the dogs in Afghanistan enjoy the toys as much as they do here at home."
The boxes are being sent in batches and are now reaching AES dogs.
Donna expressed her thanks, saying: "We're so grateful to everybody who helped us to exceed our original target of 100 boxes, and we are sure they are being very well received."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
