A group of animal lovers have opened a charity shop to raise money for rescue dogs and cats locally and abroad.

Sammy Cullis works at Food Fairies for Street Dogs & Cats with a team of dedicated volunteers to rescue neglected and injured dogs, find them homes and reduce the number of unwanted puppies and kittens by raising funds for sterilisation.

On Saturday, September 7, they celebrated the opening of their first charity shop in Swindon at Marston Farm, with homemade cakes, tea and coffee, while offering free dog harness fittings and a range of donated pet beds and accessories.

Sammy said: “My love of dogs started when we rescued Rusty from the side of the road in South Marston in 2011. After a short time, we decided to get him a friend and rescued a UK dog. We then fostered and helped to find homes for several UK dogs.

“One day I learned about the huge street dog problem in Romania and found myself wanting to learn more. Before I knew it, I’d started to collect unwanted dog food and was sending it back to the shelters in Romania. In 2019, I posted on Facebook asking for donations of dog and cat food.

(Image: Sammy Cullis)

“My request caught the attention of many local animal lovers and Food Fairies was born. A group of people came together organically and it’s a nice group. Dogs and cats are wholesome companions who provide unconditional love and never judge. I have no doubt they are the only reason some people get up each day.

“We have so many beautiful things donated to us. Sometimes pet owners have lost their dogs and cats, other times it’s just because they bought something they don’t like, it doesn’t fit or they’re bored of it. People bring their dogs over and sometimes they bring their cats on leads.

"I feel positive about not putting things in landfill so it ticks lots of boxes for me and we can offer them a bargain. 

“We decided we needed to have a proper opening because so much work has gone into it. I’m excited, it’s been a long time coming.”

Sammy says the best days for people to have a look around the shop are Tuesdays or during the weekends and this can be arranged through their Facebook page.