Dog groomer helps homeless in city centre

Story by ABI SIMPSON

Horsham St Faith dog groomer Kerry Davis has been helping out the homeless this Christmas by offering free dog washing in the city centre.

“We had four dogs with owners and several other homeless people who came for a cuppa and were able to pick up some of the many donated items including clothes, food, dog food etc.”

Kerry said the event had been a “fantastic success” and created a “wonderful sense of community”.

She said: “For me it was all about the dogs. I adore my dogs and if I was in a position like them I’d appreciate a similar gesture to enable me to look after them and know that they were healthy, happy and clean. I hope it inspires other people to go away and consider what they could do to help other people and then go and do it.”

She said  people’s reactions when they heard about what she was doing was overwhelming. “People started offering their time, donating items to be given to the homeless and just sending messages of support. I’ve been blown away by the reaction on social media,” she said.

A vet, Sarah, and veterinary nurse, Lucy, from All Creatures Healthcare were on hand to advise the owners where necessary. Food was donated by Pandora’s kitchen, plus the Missing Shoe held a pop up cafe to raise fund for Safe Rescue for Dogs.