WHEN man's best friend needed the help of residents in Warrington, thousands of you well and truly answered the call.

Cheshire Dogs Home went into crisis mode last Thursday after a 15-year-old boy allegedly set alight the charity's centre in Manchester killing around 60 dogs and leading to more than 100 being moved to the Cheshire kennels in Grappenhall.

But it was not long before help arrived in the form of volunteers working around the clock, pet owners fostering 100 dogs and thousands of tonnes of donations of blankets, dog food and treats.

Collections were held at supermarkets, veterinary practices, charities and pet stores across the town as well as the Warrington Guardian office with an overwhelming number of you doing your bit to support the cause.

Anna Stansfield, manager of Cheshire Dogs Home on Knutsford Road, said: "We had 100 dogs go to foster homes over the weekend and by Monday morning we had already heard four were going to stay with their new owners.

"It just feels fantastic as we have even seen dogs we have had for more than a year get temporary foster homes which we hope will lead to permanent ones.

"At first you deal with the emergency but we have not even had time to worry about what will happen next as all the dogs who were up for adoption have been getting new homes."

Police had to ask motorists to avoid visiting the Grappenhall kennels on Saturday after the volume of traffic heading to the centre caused lengthy tailbacks on the M6.

But while Anna said she will be forever grateful for the public's support over the past week, she also reserved a special thank you to her staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly.

Anna added: "They do an awful lot for us throughout the year including hand rearing puppies but over last weekend staff only got eight hours sleep in total over more than three days and were more than excellent.

"The support from the public started the same night as the fire and has not stopped since.

"Words can't describe how grateful we are but hopefully all those people who have supported us will be proud of what we do with the money raised."

A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of arson has been bailed while police investigations take place.

MORE than 100 dogs found foster homes at the weekend including Bryn. 

Kind-hearted volunteer Kelly Carpenter took the lurcher home with her to Lymm after asking the centre if they needed any help with dogs that needed special care and attention. 

The 26-year-old added: "It's been unreal and I felt sick when I heard the news about Manchester. 
"Bryn is quite nervous and needed someone with a bit of experience so we're taking him home to foster him."

He was taken to the home after his family could not cope with him and their young children and staff said he has found life in a kennel difficult. 

But they are now hoping his new foster home will help him overcome his nervousness.