We’ve raised more than £300 for the Blue Cross animal charity

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Debbie Woodhouse, who owns Debonair Dogz® located on the East Devon Business Park, has always given bandanas to her clients’ pets during the month of December as part of the company’s festive celebrations.

Customers are asked to make a small donation to Debonair Dogz®’ chosen charity – the Blue Cross.

Debbie said she could not believe the popularity of the Christmas doggie scarves last year, adding: “People were calling in off the street having seen dogs walking around local towns wearing the bandanas – this is how we managed to raise so much more this year than in other years.”

Debbie and her staff would like to thank customers of Debonair Dogz®, Pippa and Ann, for volunteering to make the bandanas.

She also thanked her customers for their generous support in raising such a substantial sum for Blue Cross.

“I decided to raise money for the Blue Cross because it is a local rehoming centre and all the staff felt it was such a worthy cause to support considering we own rescue dogs ourselves,” Debbie said.

“They do a fantastic job. We have so many rescue dogs we groom that have been rehomed by the Blue Cross, it’s only appropriate to fundraise for them, especially when the charity has had such an influx of dogs.

“This is a trend seen across the country due to owners unable to afford to keep dogs because of the recession in recent years.”

Lauren Chilton, volunteer co-ordinator for Blue Cross, said: “We are extremely grateful to supporters like Debbie who fundraise for Blue Cross as we rely entirely on public donations.

“We are already experiencing a busy 2015 and have already rehomed 22 dogs and 22 cats from our centre alone. We have also recently had a volunteer recruitment campaign to encourage more people to volunteer for us.

“We have a variety of roles both with the animals and fundraising and are still appealing for Foster carers and fundraisers.

“If anyone is interested in volunteering they can contact myself on 03007771560 or email lauren.chilton@bluecross.org.uk”

The Blue Cross plans to spend the money on a number of projects to enhance the care of animals at its centre in Tiverton.

For more information about the Blue Cross, call the team on 0300 7771897 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk