More than 150 homeless dog owners in Sussex to get Christmas parcels
Dogs Trust want to make sure no-one goes without a gift this year
A project to bring festive cheer to dogs and their owners who are experiencing homelessness is set to help more than 150 people in Sussex.
Dogs Trust, which has a rehoming centre in Shoreham, will be delivering canine hampers filled with treats, toys, collars, leads and warm winter coats.
It's being done through the charity's Hope Project, which has been running for over 25 years.
This year 159 dogs across Sussex are set to benefit from the Christmas parcel service, including 18 in Worthing, seven in Bognor and six in Worthing.
One of those dogs is Bulldog Blue, who lives with Dean.
Dean broke his neck in a car accident five years ago and went on to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression, and experienced suicidal thoughts.
He became homeless and found it difficult to find accommodation that would accept dogs. During this time, Blue needed an operation on one of his legs and the Hope Project was able to pay for the operation and other veterinary care Blue needed.
Dean, who has now found permanent accommodation with Blue, says:
“The Hope Project has been out of this world. I’ve had Blue since he was a puppy, and he is like a puppy all over again after his operation. I do not know where I’d be today without them.
"They’ve not just saved Blue, they’ve saved me. Blue is not just a dog, he is a family member and Dogs Trust have proved that they feel the same about dogs.
“I am now in an off-road flat which is brilliant for Blue. Without Blue I would either be dead, a drug addict, or in prison. He’s unbelievable. He’s saved me from a very dark place.”
In all, this year Dogs Trust looks to send out more than 1,400 parcels across the UK to those who have dogs and are currently homeless.
This year the Hope Project has adapted its services in light of the pandemic to include supporting hotels and emergency accommodation providers who were accommodating people sleeping rough as part of the government’s ‘Everyone In’ scheme, to accept their four-legged friends too.
Plus, it has sent out more than 1,200 tins of emergency dog food for more than 50 dogs to support people and their pets during this pandemic.
Harriet Page, Outreach Projects Development Co-ordinator for Dogs Trust, says:
“Just like Dean has said, for anyone who is experiencing homelessness or is in housing crisis, their dog is an incredible source of companionship, support and love but it is often so much more difficult to find housing simply because they have a canine friend.
“We’re delighted to be able to provide free veterinary care and other support to anyone who is homeless or in housing crisis, as well as running our Welcoming Dogs scheme, supporting housing providers and homelessness services to become dog friendly, ensuring that no dog owner has to choose between staying with their dog or accessing accommodation.
“We’re so pleased to be able to deliver so many Christmas hampers this year. Not only will they deliver some festive cheer, but these doggy essentials will help dogs keep warm and safe during the winter."