An animal charity is appealing for volunteers in the island to help support elderly pet owners.

The Cinnamon Trust, based in Cornwall, aims to help owners keep their pets by helping them to care for them if they become too old, infirm or ill to do so.

Sally Collins from the Trust said: ’We seek to keep owner and pet together for as long as possible with the help of our national network of volunteers who offer free assistance when day-to-day care poses a problem.

’We are trying to find some cat care help for a resident of the Isle of Man and Buttons and Tinker, her two adorable cats. We are hoping to publicise our need for volunteers in the Isle of Man, so any help would be gratefully received.

’Our aim is to relieve the owners of any worry concerning the welfare of their pets both during and after their own lifetime making us unique amongst charities.

’We urgently need volunteers in the Isle of Man who are able to help a local resident with some cat care for their two cats Buttons and Tinker. If you would like to help we would be delighted to hear from you.’

Volunteers help in a variety of ways, often by visiting housebound owners to take the dog for a walk, and volunteers foster pets if owners are in hospital.

’Some of them take pets to the vet, collect food, clean out the budgie’s cage or cat litter trays. Essentially we do all we can to enable the owner to keep their pet with them.

’A large number of elderly or ill pet owners become very worried about their ability to care for their pets, feeling that their only option is to rehome them, this is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together.’

To volunteer contact Sally on 01736 758707 or email [email protected]