A RESCUE centre for unwanted, abandoned and mistreated dogs is appealing to businesses in Wyre Forest to help it to continue its vital work.

Forest Dog Rescue, based in Far Forest, is looking for corporate sponsors to support the charity with a monthly donation towards the cost of running the facility - which is in the region of £20,000 a month.

Shelter manager Emma Shaffery said: “We take on dogs from all walks of life – from the pound, from private homes where people can’t cope. We also help other charities so we take on greyhounds when they finish racing, and also take in working dogs from over in Ireland.

“We’re run completely on donations from the public so we rely on money from sponsorships to continue doing what we do.”

Thanks to generous donations of food and blankets, the shelter, which currently cares for 34 dogs, is already stocked up for Christmas. However, Forest Dog Rescue is hoping to improve its existing facilities in 2019 – by revamping some of its 55 kennels - and is appealing for local businesses to get behind them.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Manager Emma with Ezra the rescue greyhound

Trustee Maureen Shaffery, who adopts 10 of the centre’s dogs, said: “We are such a lucky charity because we have so many people who donate food and money to us. But it is still a worry each month.

“It costs between £18,000 and £20,000 a month to run this facility, including managing the kennels and paying all our bills.

“Sponsorship from more businesses would be wonderful. It would be a real comfort knowing that we’ve got that money coming in each month. No matter how big or small, we appreciate whatever they can give.”

The shelter is also looking for volunteers to help bath and walk the dogs, assist with grounds maintenance, or help with ‘odd jobs’ including painting and repairs.

Maureen added: “We can run this place, but unless we have our volunteers and our sponsors we couldn’t do what we do.

“We’ve been open now for 40 years and I think it is down to teamwork that this place has flourished. We’re all working together for the dogs.”

For more information on sponsoring Forest Dog Rescue, visit forest-dog-rescue.org.uk or call 01299 269181.