A BUSINESS has made a generous donation to provide the animals at a local charity with beds, toys, and other essentials.

Oak Tree Animals' Charity is expressing its delight following a huge delivery of products from Carr's Billington to support the animals at the charity.

Harnesses, beds, litter trays, and toys were among some of the items that the business donated to Oak Tree.

Caroline Johnson, general manager at Oak Tree, said: “It felt like Christmas when we opened the boxes. We received some incredible pet products including luxurious beds, fantastic enrichment toys, litter trays and harnesses.

“Keeping the animals in our care mentally stimulated during their stay is of utmost importance to us. Their welfare is our priority and we have been able to use the equipment kindly donated to help keep them active and engaged.

“To say we were delighted is an understatement. It really does mean a great deal to receive such a generous and thoughtful donation that can be put to immediate use for the animals in our care.”

Since the pandemic began, the services provided by Oak Tree have been desperately needed as people struggle to continue caring for their pets - through either financial difficulties or health problems.

The donation from Carr's Billington will go a long way in helping the animals currently at Oak Tree, but some of it will also be auctioned off to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Sophie Smith, head of product management & marketing at Carlisle-based Carr’s Billington, said: “We’re only too happy to help support such a valuable community asset that does such amazing work.

"We’re all animal lovers here and appreciate everything the charity is doing to help during these difficult times.”

By the end of September, Oak Tree had helped more than 2100 animals in need.

The charity helps cats, dogs, and horses in a number of different ways such as rehoming and community programmes.

The support of residents and local businesses is vital in keeping the charity going.

Caroline Johnson said: “We are perhaps needed now by animals and owners in our region more than ever before during peacetime.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in animals and pet owners needing support and we have responded by making ourselves as available as possible to our community.

"We have expanded our food parcel distribution and other supporter services including, neutering support and ‘A Helping Paw’ which provides temporary pet fostering to allow those experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence to seek shelter.

“Unfortunately, as people in our community are facing increased hardship, we anticipate that not only will we need to increase our community support, but also that we will see demand for our rehoming services also increase as people face financial challenges.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support shown during the pandemic. Whilst cash donations have decreased significantly, the amount of online donations via both our website and Facebook have reassured us that our supporters are very much still willing to donate and help our cause.

“We ask that people please keep responding to our requests for financial support when they can – we can’t emphasise enough what a difference their continued contributions make.”

To support Oak Tree, visit www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk