Christmas may seem to be a long time ago, but a festive fundraiser created by a Dalton-in-Furness dog lover is set to bring joy to dogs for many months to come.
Laura Curtis’s Santa Paws grotto was a permanent fixture outside her Market Street home throughout December as she invited passers-by and their four-legged friends inside to take a festive photo in return for a donation to Dogs Trust, which has a centre in Penrith.
Thanks to the generosity of dog owners, the grotto raised more than £1,870, beating the previous year by more than £600 and bringing the grand total raised by Laura and supportive dog-lovers to more than £3,000.
Recently Laura went along to Dogs Trust Cumbria to hand over the money raised and whilst there she had the chance to meet some of the dogs the money will support, including beautiful Saluki, Baron.
Laura says: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to the grotto and made a donation. It was lovely to visit Dogs Trust and meet some of the dogs that will be helped by the money raised.”
Lisa Spence, Manager at Dogs Trust Cumbria, says: “The effort that Laura has put in for the last two years is incredible. We are so grateful. It’s really important that our dogs get as much enrichment as possible whilst they are with us and this will mean we can buy things like more toys and food puzzles so their playtime outside the kennel can be even better and when they are in their kennel they have got something to keep them occupied.”
To find out more about Dogs Trust and how you can support dogs in need of forever homes, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk
