Rescue dogs in kennels in the Burnham-On-Sea area over Christmas have been sent presents from as far away as America following a council appeal.
Sedgemoor District Council launched its annual Santa Paws gift scheme for stray and homeless dogs in November.
Since then, it has received hundreds of shoe boxes filled with treats via pet shops in Burnham-On-Sea, Brent Knoll and other towns.
It also received a parcel by post from Arizona in America.
The council said this year’s appeal had been a “huge success” with a “whole room of festive treats” collected.
The council’s Santa Paws appeal was set up to give homeless dogs a “Christmas to remember”.
In the run up to Christmas, hundreds of dog chews, toys, blankets and treats donated by animal lovers were collected from shops and council offices across the county.
“Christmas is always a sad time of year for our dog wardens and the dogs who come in to the council,” Fiona Dickson, a Sedgemoor District Council Dog Warden, told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“More dogs are brought in as strays during this time and it can be difficult re-homing them.”
But with twice the number of gifts donated this year, compared to last year – dog warden Fiona Dickson said they were “absolutely delighted”. “The level of
generosity is truly heart warming,” added Fiona.
“The dogs may not be able to say thank you but we can reassure everyone who donated there will be lots of wagging tails when we drop off the parcels of goodies at kennels across the area.”
“Sedgemoor District Council and our Dog Wardens would like to thank staff at the following drop-off points who helped us to collect the donations: Sedgemoor District Council Reception, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater; Countrywide Store, Wylds Road, Bridgwater; Pampurred Pets, Sanders Garden Centre, Brent Knoll; The Pet Shop, High Street, Burnham-on-Sea; Animal Fayre, 3 Victoria Street, Burnham-on-Sea; Pets Corner Cheddar, Cheddar Garden Centre, Draycott Road, Cheddar; and The Petshop, 1B Union Street, Cheddar.