The festive season is renowned as a time for spreading love to others, whether that’s friends, family members or rescue dogs in need.
With December fast approaching, many animal lovers will be thinking of helping out pups at Manchester's dog homes – but, what do the city’s four-legged shelter residents really want to get as Christmas presents this year?
TeamDogs, our sister site for dog lovers and pet parents, spoke to animal rescue and rehoming service Dogs Trust Manchester, to find out how Mancunians can contribute to making it a great Christmas for their rescue dogs.
The largest dog welfare charity in UK, Dogs Trust as a whole cares for more than 15,000 dogs per year and has around 1,300 in its care at any one time.
A number of these adorable furry friends are currently residents at the charity’s Manchester centre at Parkway, Denton.
Smiley three-year-old Lurcher cross Dobby and playful one-year-old Caucasian Shepherd Dog Dunkan are among the pups waiting for forever families who could benefit from a festive gift this Christmas.
And from supporting the centre’s Puppy Playgroup initiative to dropping off toys at the centre, there’s various ways that you give it to them, with options for animal lovers on all budgets.
Carol Margieson, deputy manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, explained to TeamDogs : “There are lots of ways people can support us and help us make sure our dogs have a fantastic Christmas.
“For example, they can sponsor our Puppy Playgroup.
“At Manchester we have a dedicated puppy suite where soon-to-be mums can rest and bring up their little pups until they are ready to find their forever homes, and of course it is also used for puppies who have been rescued.
“This dedicated quiet space, with its own play area, helps us make sure our puppies have the best possible start in life.”
Take a peek inside here.
By sponsoring this initiative, supporters can help keep the special ‘Playground’ staffed with carers day and night, as well as keep it stocked with toys, baskets, milk and food.
You can choose to set up a weekly donation for £1, £2 or £5 per week, or else contact the team on 020 7837 0006 to set an alternative amount – find out more here.
A minimum donation of £4.34 monthly is suggested to help cover the cost of the sponsorship.
In addition, those wishing to gift the dogs physical presents, can also drop them off at the centre, or else buy from the shelter’s Amazon Wishlist and have items sent directly to Dogs Trust Manchester.
Each Dogs Trust centre has its own Amazon Wishlist, with an individual curation of items suited to the branch’s needs.
On the list for the lovely residents at the Manchester branch are tasty snacks such as Pedigree Schmackos Poultry Mix for £9.99 or Wagg Steaklet Dog Treats, costing £7, plus some toys and harnesses.
Carol commented to TeamDogs : “We of course go through a lot of toys and treats but both are vital to make sure our dogs can have lots of fun whilst they are with us, and they are also a great way of rewarding them during training.”
She added: “The dog-loving public have been amazing and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, particularly in recent months.
“Every penny given and every toy or treat bought really does help us make sure we can prepare our dogs for life with their new families.”
Other options include sponsoring a dog at one of Dogs Trust’s centres here, or donating to Dogs Trust, with donations helping not only the pups at the Manchester centre but across the UK.
A £30 donation, for example, could go towards keeping their furry residents healthy with much-needed vaccinations, while a £50 gift may provide a special heat pad to keep dogs warm during surgery.
£100 pays for all of the care that a stray dog brought to Dogs Trust will need in their first week.
