Words by Smiley Team
Dogs’ homes up and down the UK are struggling under the weight of abandoned pets this Christmas, as dogs bought in lockdown are increasingly being dumped on the doorsteps of the charities.
So Dr. Beckmann – the manufacturer pet stain and odour remover – has committed to helping these forgotten pooches to bring festive cheer to dogs at Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ home.
More than 3.2 million pets were bought by UK household during lockdown, figures have shown. But some dog owners are finding that their new pet is more trouble to look after than they had anticipated.
As a result, more than 5% of those who had bought a pet during the pandemic have already given it up, according to research by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association.
Dr. Beckmann loves dogs and after the company saw the reports from experts showing this Christmas is going to be tough for Britain’s pooches and dogs’ homes, they decided to act – partnering with Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home and arranging a special delivery of Christmas dinner to give a group of abandoned dogs some much-needed festive cheer.
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The famous cleaning brand rebranded from Dr. Beckmann to 'Dr. Petmann' to launch its campaign, which saw the brand deliver 100 specially produced portions of premium doggy Christmas dinner to the abandoned pooches at the home in Warrington.
The Christmas dinner, made by natural pet food manufacturer Wilsons Pet Food, features raw premium turkey and is great for dog health.
Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor, said: “When we saw the figures showing that lockdown has caused a deluge of abandoned dogs since the easing of restrictions, we had to act. So, we’ve worked to design and produce a special Christmas dinner of raw turkey food for the lovely dogs at the home. It is the least we could do.
“We’re going to give the dogs there a big Christmas celebration, with toys and decorations, party hats and, of course, the main event - the scrummy Christmas dinner.”
Manager of Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home, Anna Stansfield, said: “Since the pandemic, we’ve been so busy at the dogs’ home. It’s such a shame to see the number of dogs being abandoned at dogs’ homes right across the UK and really want to highlight that dogs are for life not just for Christmas.
“We’ve worked with Dr. Beckmann before and it’s lovely that they’ve come here to give our dogs some Christmas joy with this special Dr Petman Christmas Dinner and all the trimmings - it will be a special day for all the dogs here, as well as the staff.”
