DOG lovers in Droitwich are being called on to help terminally ill people and older people, who are struggling to look after their much-loved pets by themselves.

National charity, the Cinnamon Trust works with vulnerable people to keep owners and their pets together for as long as possible, employing a team of volunteers across the country to help walk dogs, take pets to the vet, and even clean the budgie's cage out.

A spokesman for the charity said: “What happens if illness, injury or just the fact that we all get older eventually affects our ability to look after our four legged companions? A large number of elderly or ill pet owners become very worried about their ability to care for their pets, and feel that their only option is to rehome them, this is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together.

“We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital care, we’ll fetch the cat food, even clean out the bird cage or litter trays.”

The Trust is currently appealing for people in the Droitwich area to help out by walking a seven-year-old English setter, whose owner has asked for support, and who would love to go for a walk.

If anyone is able to help, they should call The Cinnamon Trust during office hours on 01736 758707 or write to volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk. For more information o the charity visit cinnamon.org.uk.