50 emergency kits to help homeless street pets at Christmas

Pet lovers are bringing comfort to some special animals this Christmas. 

Partick pet shop Pets-Cetera has organised a mercy collection for pets belonging to homeless people in the city.

And suppliers and customers have donated generously to the cause. 

Shop owner Mabel Lau said she was inspired to organise the collection after seeing one pet owner on the street.

It made her reach out to local charity Homeless Project Scotland.

“I contacted them a few weeks ago after seeing this young girl on the street with her gorgeous black Staffie. 

“Both of them were frozen and wet in the rain. 

“All I could do at the time was give her some money. 

“I tried to go back with food, a dog coat and other treats, but they were gone.”

Staff were helped by suppliers, clients and customers. Photo: Homeless Project Scotland.

One client made up 50 individual packs with a Christmas card and treats for the person and dog. 

Another customer, Kate McGee from Waggin Trails, a dog walking business in the West End, brought in bags of food, beds, coats, treats, leads, collars and all sorts from herself and her clients.

Meanwhile, suppliers were very kind: Burns Pet Food - gave 50 bags of 2kg dog food; Ancol Pet Products - gifted more than 50 coats; Fish For Dogs - donated huge box of treats and samples; Lily’s Kitchen - offered a huge box of sample packs of food.

I contacted (Homeless Project Scotland) a few weeks ago after seeing this young girl on the street with her gorgeous black Staffie.

“Both of them were frozen and wet in the rain

Mabel Lau

Mabel said: “We are going to continue collecting and supporting Homeless Project Scotland, making ourselves a drop off point for any pet related donations. 

“Also we’ve been speaking to customers coming in and telling them we are collecting for this charity and a few have given money and also brought in coats, food and other items. 

“The main people that donated were our suppliers. 

Staff at Pets-Cetera on Hyndland Street in Partick.

“We’ve been in business for 15 years and have some good suppliers willing to support us and some good causes.”

* Pets-Cetera is at 79 Hyndland St, Partick and Facebook, More about Homeless Project Scotland can be found here.