Rescue dog sniffs out Blue Cross raffle winners

Blue Cross rescue dog Rosco sniffed out four lucky winners for the charity’s annual Paw Draw raffle at its animal adoption centre in Burford last Friday.

Rosco, a seven-year-old Staffie cross who needs a new home, rustled among the tickets to pick out the winners from over 134,000 entrants.  Mr and Mrs Squires from Appley Bridge, Wigan scooped the £5,000 jackpot, while other winners claimed prizes of £1,000, £500 and £250.  All proceeds will go towards helping the thousands of sick and homeless animals cared for by The Blue Cross every year.

Commenting on his big win, Paul Squires said: “My wife and I are overjoyed, we’ve never won anything, let alone a top prize like this!  We’re planning to donate some of the prize money back to The Blue Cross, as it’s a charity close to our hearts and a very worthy cause.”

Blue Cross head of trading, Jonathan Chambers said: “We would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who took part in the raffle.  We have raised £160,000, which is a tremendous achievement.  This will enable The Blue Cross to carry on its vital work finding new homes for animals in need, and providing veterinary care for the pets of people on low incomes who can’t afford private vets’ fees.”

If you think you could help Rosco find his jackpot, in the form of a secure and loving home, please call the Burford adoption centre on 01993 822483 or visit Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon, OX18 4PF.

Media contact: Ziela Haider
Direct line: 0207 932 4063
Mobile: 07860519716

Notes to Editors

An image of The Blue Cross Annual Paw Draw 2007 is available

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.

Burford animal adoption centre 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 – Wednesday & Friday – Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am – 3pm. Closed on Thursdays.