Blue Cross walkies to help Oxfordshire’s needy pets

12 May 2008

Staff at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre at Burford are inviting animal lovers to join them for their annual sponsored walk on Sunday 18^th May. Dog owners are welcome to bring their four-legged friends and all funds raised on the day will help the homeless pets in the charity’s care. The three-mile route will take walkers through the beautiful countryside close to the picturesque old Cotswold town of Burford, with a stop off at a pub along the way.

The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so it relies on the support of the public to continue its vital work. Money raised from the sponsored walk will go towards helping dogs like Rooney, a lovely eight-year-old collie cross with a playful character and great football skills! Rooney was brought to The Blue Cross centre at Burford when his owners could no longer look after him. He enjoys meeting other doggy pals for socialising and would love to find a new home in an active family with older children.

Nikki Smith, Blue Cross centre manager at Burford said: “We’re hoping for a good turnout for the walk this year but if you can’t take part yourself, why not sponsor Rooney? It’s a lovely day out and all the money raised will help us to care for the needy animals at The Blue Cross until we can find them in loving new homes.”

There will be a group photo of all participants – human and canine – at the beginning of the walk and all the dogs that take part will receive a Blue Cross bandana and a certificate.

For more information about the walk or to register, please contact The Blue Cross animal adoption centre at Burford on 01993 822 483 or visit the Blue Cross at Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon, OX18 4PF to pick up a sponsorship form.

ENDS

Note to editors

Photos of Rooney are available. A group photo will be available after the walk on request. Photographers are welcome; please contact the press office.

Burford animal adoption centre was opened in 1990, and serves the counties of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and Northamptonshire. There are facilities for up to 60 dogs and puppies, 48 cats and kittens, seven pairs of rabbits, and six guinea pigs.Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre call 01993 822483. Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday and Bank Holidays: 11am to 4pm. Closed on Thursdays.

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. 

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact
Sophia Khan on 020 7932 4060 or sophia.khan@bluecross.org.uk