A RESCUE dog with no tail and a sticky up ear has become the face of a Christmas campaign from a Runcorn vets.

Sasha, a six-year-old black labrador collie cross with a huge heart has been overlooked by families despite best efforts of volunteers at an animal rescue centre.

The adorable pooch loves nothing more than a good fuss and is just one of many animals who are set to benefit from Willows Veterinary Group's Pawsome Pets Christmas Appeal.

Aiming to help as many abandoned, unwanted and unloved pets over the festive period, the appeal urges locals to bring donations to help animals left at Laurel Animal Rescue in Newton-le-Willows.

Halton residents are being asked to bring in unopened pet food, new toys, blankets, bedding and treats for animals of all types by Friday, December 20 to The Laurels Veterinary Surgery on Victoria Road, Runcorn.

David Crane, Willows Veterinary group marketing manager, said: “Our clients have shown us year on year how extremely caring they are towards needy animals needing a little bit of extra TLC over the festive period.

“In past years, we have had trolley loads of food, blankets, bedding and toys donated by generous people across all of our surgeries and our teams work hard to make sure it finds its way to these lovely animals, like Sasha, all trying to find a new home.

“The idea first came to us a few years back and it has been so popular that it is now an important part of our calendar and it’s a fantastic way to give great animal charities and organisations across the regions a Christmas boost.

“We are asking for help again this year and urge people to take in unopened and in- date food, new blankets, animal bedding, toys and treats, for all different animals, to any of our Willows surgeries and we will make sure it finds its way to those animals in need such as Sasha at Laurel Animal Rescue.”

Bev Gaffney founded Laurel Animal Rescue in 2013 and relies on a network of caring volunteers from across Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire who act as foster carers for the many cats and dogs who are looking for their forever homes.

The rescue team is always on the look out for new foster carers who are home checked by one of the experienced volunteers and viewings to see the animals looking for new homes are by appointment.

Bev said: “It costs us in the region of £18,000 per year to run Laurel Animal Rescue and approximately £3,000 of that is spent on food and cat litter alone.

“Having a boost in food and other supplies is such a help and just eases the pressure.

"We are so grateful to Willows Veterinary Group for including us in this festive collection and we know our animals will be extremely grateful too in their own way.”

Anyone who wants to help can drop off unopened food, new toys and blankets at The Laurels Veterinary Surgery on Victoria Road, Runcorn by Friday December 20.