[Animals] Mission to bring festive cheer to rescued animals

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People have been urged to fill shoeboxes with treats for abandoned pets this Christmas.

Two Gloucestershire charities that care for about 90 rescued animals have said the festive boxes are a "lifeline".

Toys, chews, treats or blankets have all been donated in previous years.

"The shoeboxes are a real lifeline for us. Even though it's a Christmas appeal, it's something we use all year round," said Teckels Animal Sanctuary's manager, Sarah Johnson.

Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) in Cambridge, near Dursley, and Teckels in Whitminster, near Gloucester, have said "they split the shoeboxes up and spread the treats evenly, so the dogs and cats are always getting something new".

'Incredible and very humbling'

Shelby Tunstall, CDCH corporate and events fundraiser, said the animals get really excited when the shoeboxes arrive. 

"It's really cute and the animals will dig in, take the toys out and help themselves; it's just an extra way to make Christmas really special," she said.

"It's also really nice for the staff - they get so much enjoyment from watching the animals have so much fun with their new toys, and spoiling them.

"We're always blown away with just how much support we have, it's incredible and very humbling," she said.

Other items that can be donated include activity toys, such as snuffle mats, tins of sardines and soft blankets for cats. 

"We've got dogs that love teddies, tennis balls and squeaky toys, and the cats currently really like the wand toys with feathers on the bottom," added Ms Tunstall.

CDCH had a visit from This Morning's Dr Scott Miller, ITV's resident vet, who donated a shoebox.

"Anything you can give to rescue animals goes a long way. 

"It doesn't have to cost money, my daughter Quinn and I donated some of our old cat's toys," he said. 

Once filled and wrapped in festive paper, the shoeboxes can be taken to any of the charities' shops located around Gloucestershire.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q7ngwpy42o