Donated coats keep canines cosy

A total of 224 coats have been donated to the animal charity Give A Dog A Coat, which will be distributed to homeless dogs across the UK to help keep them warm during the cold winter months.

The family-run pet retailer asked customers and animal lovers to donate pre-loved, new and homemade dog coats throughout November and December by dropping them off at one of the 102 Pets Corner stores across the UK – including the one in Tring Garden Centre.

For every coat received, Pets Corner matched the donation with a tasty doggy treat for the charity.

Give A Dog A Coat was set up by Essex woman Lara Evans, who was upset at seeing so many homeless, shivering dogs in London during winter.

She started knitting and sewing dog coats, and when she couldn’t keep up with the demand, she started an appeal asking others to donate second-hand or homemade dog coats of their own.

Lara said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response and we would like to thank Pets Corner for collecting the coats and everyone who has made a donation and supported us with this initiative.

“The coats will make a huge difference to the lives and wellbeing of homeless dogs during the colder months.”

Pets Corner managing director Dean Richmond said: “It’s tragic that in 2016 there are so many homeless dogs across the UK. We are delighted to be supporting Give A Dog A Coat and cannot thank our customers enough for their enthusiasm, generosity and support.”

It’s not too late to donate a coat. Drop off your donation in store or visit the Give A Dog A Coat Facebook page.