Members of a Newton Aycliffe ‘knit and natter’ circle have been using their skills for a good cause – by knitting and donating blankets to a local dog rehoming centre and charity group. The group, which meets at Rose Lodge Care Home, knitted coloured squares which were then stitched together into blankets for the dogs waiting to find a new home at Coxhoe-based shelter Stray Aid.
The charity group aims to rescue, re-unite or rehome the lost, abused, abandoned or unwanted dogs found on the streets in the North East of England. Staff and families of Rose Lodge, which provides residential care and care for people living with dementia, also arranged a food bank collection for Stray Aid which saw generous donations of various dog food, treats, toys, and even pet clothes and jewellery.
Volunteers at the shelter came to visit the home to collect the items and to thank members of the knitting group and residents of Rose Lodge for their support. Much to the delight of the pet-loving residents and staff at Rose Lodge, they also brought along Gucci, a 9 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross looking for a new home, who met with residents for lots of love, affection and cuddles, and even got first pick of the treats collected by the home.
Diane Tweddle, an Activities Coordinator at Rose Lodge care home, said: “We are definitely a home of animallovers here so supporting Stray Aid was a cause close to our hearts and we received great support for our food bank and blanket making project. It was very rewarding for our residents and everyone who took part.”
