HOMELESS dogs in Islington are getting some festive comfort in the form of holiday hampers.

National canine welfare charity Dogs Trust, which is based in Wakley Street, Finsbury, has distributed over 600 Christmas hampers to homeless dog owners throughout London, including residents at St Mungo’s housing project in nearby Rosebery Avenue.

Mike McCall, executive director of Operations at St Mungo’s said: “We would like to thank Dogs Trust for their kind donations to our homeless residents with dogs this Christmas. St Mungo’s is London’s largest homeless charity with over 100 projects across the capital. We accept dogs in our accommodation because often they’ve been a person’s best friend and main companion for some time.”

The hampers, which contain canine treats, such as colourful collars, leads, coats and toys, are part of the Hope Project, an initiative aimed at providing better care for homeless dogs throughout the UK. As part of the project, free and subsidised veterinary care is given to any dogs whose owners are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.

Clare Kivlehan, Dogs Trust Hope Project Manager, said: “The bond between any dog and owner is a strong one but for homeless people their dog is often their only friend and comfort.

“We’ve found that if a hostel does not accept dogs, then the owner will stay on the streets in order to keep their companion. Alongside offering subsidised veterinary treatments and doggy Christmas hampers the Hope Project also encourages homelessness hostels and day centres to accept clients with dogs and helps them put in place practical guidelines.”