Whilst families across Manchester are tucking into their Christmas dinner, two local dog lovers will be doing whatever it takes to make sure the rescue dogs at Dogs Trust Manchester have everything they need to make the big day as special as possible.
Kimberley Dewsnap from Mossley and Alexandra Pike from Mottram both volunteer at Dogs Trust’s rehoming centre on Parkgate in Denton every week, helping look after the dogs throughout the year.
This will be the first time the four-legged friend fans have headed into the centre on Christmas Day, but neither can think of a better way to spend the day.
Kimberley says:
“I can’t wait! Going to the rehoming centre is always wonderful. I help with the dogs on site, but I also support the fostering team. I bring foster dogs to meet potential adopters, take foster dogs to the vets if needed, move dogs between foster carers when necessary and drop off medication or anything the dogs need in their foster homes.
“To know that at Christmas I’ll be helping to make sure the dogs who are still waiting to find their special someone have the best time possible is wonderful and it will make my Christmas more special knowing I’ve helped them.”
On Christmas Day there will be more than 80 dogs cared for at Dogs Trust Manchester. All will get a special Christmas dinner as well as specifically chosen toys and treats, many of which have been donated by supporters, to make sure every dog gets their favourite things.
23-year-old Alexandra has just completed her Masters in Zoo Conservation Biology and wants to carve out a career working with animals. She says:
“I love being part of Dogs Trust. Christmas Day is no different to any other day for dogs at the centre in that their kennels will need cleaning, they will need walks and play time, laundry will need doing. So, I’ll be there to do whatever gives them the best day possible!
“I really feel part of the team and I’m really excited about being part of Christmas.”
Dogs Trust Manchester currently has 36 volunteers supporting the team and helping make sure the dogs get everything they need.
Dogs Trust Volunteer Coordinator, Kerry Gormley, says:
“Our volunteers are wonderful and the fact that Kimberley and Alexandra along with many others are happy to spend time with us over Christmas is fantastic.
“Our volunteers give thousands of hours of their time to us every year, which is incredible. Their generosity means our dogs benefit in so many ways, from additional walks, extra play time, additional one on one time and the opportunity for staff to spend more time with dogs that perhaps need a bit of extra training or support to help them find their forever homes. We can’t thank our volunteers enough and the fact that they are part of our Christmas team is fantastic.”
To find out more about Dogs Trust, and volunteering opportunities, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk
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