Lend a paw for pets this Christmas

29 September 2008

Stuck for Christmas ideas?  What do you buy a pet lover who already has everything?   Why not choose a unique gift of life from The Blue Cross this Christmas.  The pet charity has designed a range of gift packages to provide essential care for the sick and homeless pets at its hospitals and adoption centres across the UK, ensuring that every Blue Cross animal gets a visit from ‘Santa Paws’ on Christmas day.

For a one-off donation, every Blue Cross alternative gift will put a smile on someone’s face and help an unwanted animal feel loved this festive season.  Shoppers can choose from a range of gift options*, including:

Bunny Bundles - £10

Cosy Kittens - £15

Pampered Puppies- £25

Warm Welcome (adoption centre package) - £50

Fix a Fracture (hospital package) - £100

All packages come with a Christmas card, supporter magazine and gift certificate explaining how the donation has helped an animal in need, such as providing a homeless dog or cat with a warm bed to sleep in, toys to keep them occupied and health checks to protect them from disease. 

Many unwanted or poorly pets are taken in by The Blue Cross over the Christmas period and the cost of keeping them happy and healthy during the winter months is higher than at other times of the year.  The charity does not rehome pets during the festive season to prevent the possibility of them becoming another unwanted Christmas present.  But it never closes its doors to animals in need, so its adoption centres and hospitals are extremely busy and rely on public donations more than ever.

The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding, so every virtual gift given this Christmas will help to fund its vital work providing vulnerable animals with the immediate care and secure future they deserve.  Gifts can be ordered online via The Blue Cross shop at www.bluecrossshop.co.uk or by calling 01736 334590.  The cut-off date for Christmas orders is 12^th December 2008.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Images of all the animals featured in The Blue Cross virtual gifts are available upon request.  *Blue Cross alternative gifts include:

Bunny bundles - £10

Galaxy, Quiz and Roger were only six weeks old when they were abandoned on a cold winter’s day outside a Blue Cross adoption centre.  We gave them all the love and care they needed until they were old enough to go to a loving new homes.  Your gift will help us to provide all of the care needed for other bunnies in need.

Cosy kittens - £15

When a member of the public found Hugo, Genie, Grace and Blossom abandoned under their shed they were poorly, cold and alone. Luckily for them they were brought to us so we could nurse them back to health. Your gift will help us to ensure that there is always someone there for kittens like these.

Sponsor a pony - £15

Why not help an animal in need by sponsoring a special horse or pony? There are nine horses and ponies to choose from across three different Blue Cross equine centres.  These animals can’t go to new homes because they either need specialist on-going attention or aren’t yet old enough, and you may visit them if you wish.

Pampered puppies - £25

Dominic was found collapsed by some teenagers who took him to one of our animal hospitals where he was given all of the care he needed to make him well again. Your gift will help us to continue finding loving homes where puppies will be given all the love and care they need to grow up fit and strong.

Warm welcome (adoption centre package) - £50

Martin came into the centre as a stray, so we had absolutely no information on him, not even a name. But The Blue Cross made sure he had everything he needed before they found him the perfect loving home. Your gift will help us to ensure that every animal that arrives at The Blue Cross is given a second chance to find their perfect home.

Fix a fracture (animal hospital package) - £100

When Tinkerbell’s pelvis and legs were badly injured her owner took her in to one of our hospitals where she underwent extensive surgery. She is now much better and looking forward to running around as soon as her pelvis and legs have healed. It costs a great deal to help cats like Tinkerbell and your gift will go towards supporting the work of our veterinary hospitals including vital surgery.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal 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:

Ziela Haider, Press Officer - 020 7932 4063 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk