The Mayor of Hillingdon played host to a very special guest on Wednesday, who visited the Civic Centre to collect a cheque on behalf of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Councillor Allan Kauffman presented a cheque for £3,000 to 7-week old Sparkle, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was accompanied by her helpers Hannah Lloyd and David Milson from the home.
The money, which was raised through the Mayor’s rainbow charity scheme, was handed over early, to qualify for a 2013 scheme run in partnership with retail business Orvis. This means that the funds will be doubled to £6,000.
Under the ‘working dogs’ scheme, dogs that are lost, abandoned or homeless are assessed by Battersea for specials skills that they can develop. The animals go on to be trained as sniffer dogs, dogs working with the troops and pet therapy dogs – the mayor’s particular interest.
Sparkle is looking for a new life developing her skills to work as an ambassador for the home. She will also appear in a Christmas Day edition of Paul O’Grady’s ‘For the love of dogs.’
David Milson, corporate partnership executive at Battersea, said: “We are really grateful for the mayor’s support and interest for our project. The money goes on to transform the lives of our dogs, giving them a second chance.”
Mr Kauffman said: “This link with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been a real eye opener on how we can support ‘man’s best friend’ when they fall on difficult times.”
The mayor's Rainbow charity stands at more than £28,000, towards a target of £59,000 by the end of his year of office in May next year.
