Vets Rustle Up Treats for War Dogs
Staff at Blythman and Partners veterinary practice have been overwhelmed by the support for its appeal to reward service dogs in Afghanistan.
Animal lovers from all over the North East have donated treats and toys, filling nearly 200 shoeboxes in recognition of the Arms and Explosives Search dogs deployed on the front line.
The appeal was born when Donna Heron, head nurse at Blythman and Partners' South Shields branch, heard accounts of the dogs from a close friend on a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
All eight of the branches have taken part and donations have flooded in, filling twice the original target number of shoeboxes.
Donna said: "We couldn't have imagined just how generous the response to our appeal would be. There have been a lot of personal tributes that are particularly touching - we've even had letters from guide dogs, hoping the dogs in Afghanistan enjoy the toys as much as they do here at home."
The boxes are being sent in batches and are now reaching AES dogs.
Donna expressed her thanks, saying: "We're so grateful to everybody who helped us to exceed our original target of 100 boxes, and we are sure they are being very well received."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
