GENEROUS dog lovers in Widnes have donated a huge range of food, toys, bedding and treats to help homeless dogs at Merseyside Dogs Home.

The collection was launched in December by White Cross Vets and large numbers of clients and residents visited the practice on Fir Park, Queensbury Way, to make donations, which were then delivered to the dogs home in Halewood.

The charity takes in more stray dogs than any other rescue in Merseyside and finds loving homes for hundreds of dogs each year.

At any one time, the home has up to 30 dogs in kennels and approximately 20 that are ready to be rehomed.

White Cross Vets’ other practices in St Helens, West Derby and Gateacre have also been collecting supplies for other charities and homeless pets in Merseyside during the winter months.

Claire Roberts, from White Cross Vets in Widnes, said: "It’s always sad to think of dogs being lost, unwanted and without a home, but thankfully Merseyside Dogs Home is there to help.

"The charity relies heavily on donations and as a popular veterinary practice, we wanted to make a difference by supporting them with a winter collection.

"We were inundated with donations from our generous clients and friends, and all pets love comfortable bedding, tasty treats and food, as well as playing with toys, so we’re delighted that our collection is now making a genuine difference to dogs that the charity is looking after."

Paul Dunne, from Merseyside Dogs Home, said: "We don’t receive any government or lottery funding, so we rely heavily on donations to care for Merseyside’s abandoned dogs so White Cross Vets’ support has been invaluable.

"We’re always grateful for all types of donations, whether they’re financial, food, treats, blankets or toys, which all make a real difference to dogs during their time with us.

"This is especially true at this time of year, when we sadly see an increase in the number of dogs coming into our rehoming centre after Christmas and in the first few months of the year."

Anyone wanting further information about Merseyside Dogs Home and to find out about supporting the charity, should visit their website or call 0151 487 3592.