Christmas appeal will keep Plymouth's rescued pets warm this winter

Send your warmest wishes to Plymouth’s unwanted pets and help them to stay cosy this winter by supporting Woodside Animal Welfare Trust’s Christmas Tree Appeal.

This Christmas all of the money raised by the annual appeal will go towards heating costs for the 176 animals currently in the Sanctuary’s care.

In return for a donation of just 50p, supporters will be given a colourful tag upon which they can write the name of a beloved pet or person.

This tag will be hung on a giant Christmas tree in the foyer of the Sanctuary at Elfordleigh, or on a tree in Woodside’s charity’s shops across Plymouth, Tavistock and South East Cornwall.

Gold tags will decorate the trees in honour of pets passed, red tags for pets present, purple in memory of people who have passed away and blue for people present.

Woodside manager Helen Lecointe said: “We face increased heating costs at this time of year, especially for our old animals’ units. As we head towards Christmas and the New Year the heating is pretty much on permanently.”

Woodside has four elderly cat units and three elderly dog units, which are currently home to around 25 ‘oldies’ or animals with medical needs, who require extra TLC.

Among the other animals being looked after by the charity are dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, pigs, goats and birds.

Tags can be purchased from the Sanctuary, any of its charity shops or by sending a cheque made out to Woodside Animal Welfare Trust, along with details of the name to appear on the tag, to the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust, Elfordleigh, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 5ED.