Vale residents give tails something to wag about this Christmas  

Published 29 December 2011

Staff at Croft Rescue Kennels in Bridgend were overwhelmed at the response by Vale residents to the council’s Christmas appeal for treats, toys and blankets.

With only a week to go before Christmas, the Vale of Glamorgan Council (whose dog warden service uses Croft Kennels in Bridgend) had asked for donations of suitable toys, treats and clean blankets for the kennel's canine residents.

Caroline Cowan, the council’s dog warden, said: “We had hoped to take up a few extra blankets and some treats when we visited Crofts at Christmas, but the response from Vale residents was incredible.

“We had over one hundred donations, ranging from much needed blankets, tinned fish, dog food, toys and edible treats. There were gifts for every dog”.

Croft Manager, Janet Long, was overwhelmed with the response. “On behalf of the staff and the dogs, I’d like to thank the Vale residents who donated these gifts, which really will make a huge difference. All dogs love to get a new toy or a treat, and to snuggle up on a warm blanket, and this is especially so for dogs who spend their days in kennels”.

Croft has a policy of never destroying a healthy dog, and staff work hard to help dogs that have been badly treated recover their confidence.

One such resident is Billie, a staffie pup, who came to the kennels in the first week of December. Billie, who is approximately 6-10 months old, had been abandoned on local Forestry Commission land and was terrified and in poor condition when she arrived. We’ve filmed her receiving her Christmas treats (clip features Janet Long and Dave Owens, who also works at the Crofts).

Croft Rescue Kennels are open between 11am and 6pm seven days a week, and anyone wishing to adopt a dog can contact 01656 862288; website: http://www.croftrescuekennels.net/.

To contact the Vale dog wardens, call 01446 709105 between 8.30am and 5pm, from Monday to Thursday and from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.