DORSET dog lovers are being urged to consider a charitable donation this Christmas to help those experiencing homelessness care for their canines.

Each year the Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, runs the Hope Project, bringing a bit of festive cheer to the pets of homeless people.
Running for 17 years, the initiative sees the charity distribute canine hampers of collars, leads, coats, treats and toys to dogs and their owners.
As well as the Christmas gifts, the charity provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing homelessness or in housing crisis.

Harriet Page, the Dogs Trust pets and housing manager, said: “Everyone knows that the bond between a dog and its owner is a strong one but for people experiencing homelessness, the bond is often unbreakable.
“Christmas can be an especially difficult and lonely time for people in housing crisis.”
This year, the Hope Project is hoping to deliver more than 2,000 Christmas parcels to dogs and their owners across the UK; a 24% increase in the number of parcels given out in 2021.
Over the next few weeks, Christmas parcels will be delivered to homelessness services in Dorset, including The Bus Shelter Dorset and Michael House, Bournemouth.
“Thanks to the generosity of Dogs Trust supporters, this year we will be able to help over 2,000 celebrate Christmas and support them into the New Year and beyond so that more dogs can stay with their owners, regardless of their housing situation,” Harriet added.
The scheme, and the other vital services provided by Dogs Trust, are only made possible thanks to the generosity of the charity’s supporters.
Anyone who can help Dogs Trust’s work and the Hope Project should visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/hopeforchristmas.

As well as distributing Christmas hampers and offering free veterinary treatments, the Hope Project supports homelessness services to accept clients with dogs and helps them put in place practical guidelines.
Homelessness organisations or veterinary surgeries interested in finding out more information about the scheme should contact the Dogs Trust on 020 7837 0006, or email hopeproject@dogstrust.org.uk.