An animal rescue charity shop in Thirsk has teamed up with a foodbank to help people struggling to feed their pets.

The Blue Cross in Thirsk has joined with Community Works foodbank to provide vital help to pet owners in the town who are struggling to feed their animals due to the cost of living crisis.

The pet charity’s shop on Parklands, Station Road, Topcliffe, is seeking donations of dog, cat and kitten food, as well as food for small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.

This will then be distributed to needy families through Community Works, based at St James Green in Thirsk.

Danielle Dooley, manager at Blue Cross charity shop in Thirsk, said: “Here at Blue Cross we’ve heard stories of owners going without food themselves to cover the cost of feeding or caring for their pets and are aware that for some people their pets are their only companions and link to the outside world.

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“No pet should have to go hungry, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets.

"Pets are part of the family and that’s why we’ve teamed up with Community Works to help people to keep their family together.

"Your donations will help families who have nowhere else to turn.”

Ellie Canny, from Community Works, said: “At Community Works we help people who are facing all sorts of challenges in life, including those relating to cost of living, loneliness, and ill health.

"Many of our clients tell us their pet is one of the most important and positive parts of their lives, so this Blue Cross initiative, and all those who donate to it, will really make a difference”

Donations of pet food can be dropped off at the Blue Cross charity shop. 

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