Homeless hounds given a Christmas wash and brush-up

Their loyalty is unrivalled as the days shorten and the nights turn cold on the streets of Canterbury.

So it was only right the treasured dogs of the city’s homeless were given a festive treat.

Pampering the pooches with a welcome wash- up were the grooming team at Pets at Home in Sturry Road.

The animals were also given a check-up by vets, as well as flea spot treatment and worming tablets.

Brownen Collins, who runs the grooming room, said: “You often see dogs with homeless owners on the streets and they clearly don’t have the easiest of lives.

“So we thought it would be nice to give them a treat at Christmas and make them feel better.”

Three owners brought in their pets, which were given a shampoo, sometimes twice, and a good check over.

Bronwen said: “To be honest, their coats were a bit of a mess and a bit smelly, which is not surprising in the circumstances.

“Because you handle the ani- mal so closely when you are a dog groomer, you can also spot any other potential problems which might need veterinary examination.

“I was expecting to have to clip their toe nails but they didn’t need it and I guess that’s because they are walking the pavement so much. Fortunately, they didn’t appear to have any other issues either. The vets gave them a thorough check.”

The store also donated a big supply of dog food and treats, including blankets, to the Catching Lives homelessness charity

‘We thought it would be nice to give them a treat and make them feel better’

in Station Road East .

Brownwen added: “We did expect more than three dogs, but perhaps next time we’ll take our grooming equipment into the day centre, where there are likely to be more owners.”

FM4612098 Kevin Roe watches vet Craig Mitchell inspect his dog