The Pets at Home store in Douglas chose the Greyhound Aid League Isle of Man as their charity of the year for 2019.

Over the festive period the pet store chain also takes part in a nationwide fundraiser, the Santa Paws appeal by Support Adoption for Pets the UK’s largest grant giving pet charity, to raise money to help pay for essential vet bills and care costs for rescue pets.

The store team in Pets at Home Isle of Man have been raising money for Greyhound Aid League Isle of Man, along with other Pets At Home stores across the UK, which will be raising funds for their own local rescue centres.

The appeal ran until Christmas Eve and customers were able to support the appeal by donating at store tills.

Amy Wilson, Support Adoption For Pets fundraising manager, said: ’Every year we are amazed by the generosity of Pets at Home customers and pet owners, and we are delighted to be able to launch the Santa Paws appeal once again.

’We hope that people will spare a moment’s thought for those pets who sadly find themselves without a home for Christmas this year. Every donation helps, and giving as little as just 50p can make a huge difference to a rescue pet.’

John Greyvenstein, store manager at Pets at Home Isle of Man, said: ’We have ambitious fundraising plans, and every donation will go towards helping a rescue pet in need.’

Sally McMullen of Greyhound Aid League Isle of Man said: ’We have been the charity of the year for Pets at Home in Douglas and we have been running a stall in the store during various events this year. We have had all sorts of lovely people from school age to retired (and their hounds) helping us. They are all wonderful and we couldn’t do it without them.’

To find out more about Support Adoption For Pets or to support the charity visit https://www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk/santa-paws/.