A Dalton-in-Furness dog lover is dedicating her time to help rescue dogs in the run-up to Christmas by hosting a Santa Paws Grotto at her home for the third year in a row.
Last year, thanks to the support of local dog owners and fans of our four-legged friends, Laura Curtis raised £1,800 by inviting passers-by and their canine companions inside the grotto in the garden of her Market Street home to take a festive photo in return for donating to Dogs Trust, which has a centre in Penrith.
The success of last year’s venture and the kindness of people have stayed with Laura throughout the year and has spurred her on to recreate the grotto again.
She said: “I couldn’t believe how supportive people were last year, and it was lovely to chat to so many people who adore dogs as much as I do. It was a lovely run-up to Christmas!
“After Christmas, I visited the Dogs Trust centre in Penrith, which was brilliant, and it made it even more real to me how much help is needed.
“Like many animal charities, Dogs Trust is experiencing more demand for its help than ever, so I want to do my bit again and hope even more people come along to the grotto this year!”
The grotto opened on Sunday December 1, is open all of December every day from 9am to 9pm and people and their pooches can just pop along.
Laura has raised around £725 so far this year and has lots of presents to give away.
Julie O’Neill, media co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Cumbria, said: “It is fantastic that Laura is doing this again for us. It was such a lovely idea last year and we know it was a lot of work so for her to be doing it again is just incredible.
We hope as many people pop along as possible and we look forward to welcoming Laura to the centre again in the new year, after she’s had a rest!”
To support Laura and Dogs Trust, go to www.facebook.com/p/Santa-Paws-Grotto-Dalton-in-Furness
