Tom Ingleton
As icy winds sweep through Victoria earlier than expected, Lort Smith Animal Hospital is calling on the community to lend a warm helping hand– or paw.
Launching tomorrow, Operation Snugglebug is the hospital’s inaugural winter drive, collecting blankets, towels, toys, and treats to comfort the thousands of animals in their care.
Each year, more than 20,000 animals pass through Lort Smith’s North Melbourne hospital and Campbellfield clinic.
With no ongoing government funding, the hospital relies heavily on the generosity of Victorians– and this year, the call for help has come early.
“Sadly it looks like winter has come early in Victoria this year so the need has hit earlier than usual,” Head of Media & Digital Content at Lort Smith, Susan Talevski said.
“We take in around 20,000 animals every year that need warmth and comfort just like any other pet at home.”
At the heart of the campaign is a paw-sitively adorable face: Detective Pupster Smith.
Donning a tiny trench coat and serious sniffing skills, Pupster is on the case to track down kind-hearted donors across the state.
“Detective Pupster Smith was chosen as a way children and those young at heart can engage with the drive,” Ms Talevski said.
“It’s never too early to learn about the importance of being kind to animals.”
Top donation items include towels, pet toys, treats, unopened pet food, and blankets– just avoid anything with large knitted holes.
Full details are available via the Lort Smith website.
While there’s no single story behind each donation, the collective impact is enormous.
“What makes drives like this special is that the community all get involved and make a huge difference to so many animals,” Ms Talevski said.
“We know how much Victorians love their pets, so we are hoping the community gets on board and helps us to help those in need.”
Donations can be dropped off or couriered to the North Melbourne hospital or Campbellfield clinic.
And a special shoutout to 14-year-old dog ‘Ned’ (pictured), who is looking for a forever home, could it be yours?
