Over £700-worth of pet food donated to local animal rescue

Staff, customers and suppliers of W E Howden of Coldstream, established in 1830, have collected pet food worth well over £700 for the local animal welfare charity.

Shop owner Rob Smith said the donation was typical of the generosity shown by his customers and suppliers - especially for a local animal welfare charity.

“Ever since it began 185 years ago, the whole ethos of this business has been about helping people and providing a personal service, so the quantity of pet food donated by our suppliers and customers comes as no surprise to me.

“We deliver to pet owners all over the Borders and into Northumberland and the generosity of our customers is legendary,” said Mr Smith.

The size of the donation did come as a pleasant surprise to Borders Pet Rescue, however.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive a donation like this at this time of year,” said rescue centre manager Simon Cullum.

“We knew that Howden’s had been collecting donations for us over the past few weeks - but the quantity of food donated has taken us completely by surprise.”

Mr Cullum added that the generosity of supporters at this time of year is incredible. “I am delighted to say that we have received all kinds of gifts for the animals in our care, from collars to toys, blankets, food and treats. Borders people really are very kind.”

However, he added that the rescue centre operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making donations throughout the year vitally important.

And he added: “It follows on logically from the message all animal welfare charities use at this time of year that a pet is not just for Christmas.”