Help for four-legged friends in Dumfries and Galloway

Following an appeal on social media, dog food and treats are now being distributed among community groups and to those who need a helping hand.

Those benefiting include people who are struggling financially or are unwell, shielding or self-isolating.

People from all over the region have donated treats and food, including a huge pallet of 50 large bags of dog food from Skinner’s Pet Foods. The large bags will be split up into smaller portions and distributed across the region.

The online appeal, launched on May 14 by Lost Dogs Dumfries and Galloway, saw more than 1500 dog meals donated in less than 72 hours. The rest have been arriving over the last few weeks.

Donations of dog food are also being distributed through Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership.

Food parcels are being issued to customers of DGHP, part of Wheatley Group, through the EatWell programme and thanks to the generous donations, they can now include dog food in Dumfries and Galloway.

One of the community groups to benefit from the donations is Lochside Community Association, who distribute food and lunches to their local community.

Karen Wylie, Project Coordinator for Lochside Community Association (LCA) and the Grub Club, received some donations and said: “We deliver Fareshare (surplus food) to residents, mainly in the Dumfries area, who are needing a helping hand and we are often asked about dog food.

“This isn’t something that we get so we are never able to help people with this, and with the current Coronavirus situation this is a growing concern for those who are struggling.

“Now, thanks to the generous donations we are in a position where we can offer that help to people.

“I have already distributed food and treats to around 15 residents and they are forever grateful, especially their four-legged friends. On behalf of the dogs, the local residents, myself and LCA, we are so thankful to everyone who has made this possible.”

Angie Gilmour, of Lochside is Families Together (LIFT), has also received donations and said: “Working with the Lost Dogs Dumfries and Galloway group we have been able to supply pet food to those in need.

“We have found mostly the elderly have been feeding their pets their own human food, so being able to work in partnership with the local dog group ensures that people and their pets are looked after.”