A WYRE Forest dog charity is calling on residents to join them for a sponsored walk this weekend to raise funds to help three dogs get their second chance at a new life.

Forest Dog Rescue has organised the sponsored 4.5km walk on Sunday (October 8) to help raise funds for major surgery for three dogs in kennels to enable them to have their second chance at finding a loving home.

Forest Dog Rescue is reliant on donations and, while regular fundraising and sponsorships helps to cover the typical monthly costs, sometimes there are special cases that just need more. With average vet bills alone tipping £3,000 every month, when dogs come in with severe injuries or health issues, the charity must fundraise for the extra money.

The sponsored walk will begin at the Lock Inn and Old Smithy Tearooms, in Wolverley, at 10.30am, and anyone – including dogs – is welcome to join in.

Any money raised with help fund surgery for dogs Ari, Patch and Pete.

Ari, a five-year-old crossbreed needs at least one, possibly two, cruciate ligaments operated on to enable him to walk comfortably.

Three-year-old crossbreed Patch came to the rescue with a permanently dislocated knee cap and a bowed femur – which is likely the result of a previous fracture. He needs surgery to repair the damage to his knee and leg, so he can get his mobility back and live the rest of his life pain free.

While Pete, a three-year-old lurcher, has been in the kennels for five months and started showing signs of lameness, so had been under investigation at the local vet. He has already had an x-ray and a scan, but now needs to be referred to a specialist for an MRI scan to ascertain the route of his problem.

Alison Jones, Forest Dog Rescue trustee, said: “We need to raise £4,000 to enable these dogs to have the treatment they so desperately need, so we are organising a special sponsored walk on Sunday, October 8.

“Anyone who wants to take part and help us raise these much-needed funds can get sponsorship forms from our kennels in Far Forest, or either of our charity shops in Kidderminster or Ludlow. Alternatively, the form can be downloaded from our website.

“We also welcome non-sponsored walkers and just ask for a minimum donation of £5.

“This is such a huge sum so we are really calling out to all dog lovers in the area to step out to help us give these dogs their second chance.”

To download a sponsorship form, visit forest-dog-rescue.org.uk.