CELEBRITIES and dog lovers are urging Halton residents to realise ‘A Dog is For Life, Not Just For Christmas’.

In the run up to Christmas, Dogs Trust has launched a campaign called ‘Presspaws’ to spread the idea of pausing to think before getting a dog.

Twiggy has pledged her support. She said: “Dogs can brighten up your life as they make such wonderful companions. It’s heart-breaking to see so many dogs abandoned and ending up in rescue shelters through no fault of their own.

“I would urge anyone who is thinking of getting a dog to heed the advice offered by Dogs Trust to pause and consider the long-term commitment.”

Dogs Trust’s 19 rehoming centres in the UK, including Merseyside, are braced for an increase in calls from owners looking to hand in their dogs over the festive period.

The charity is urging dog lovers to help spread this simple message to reinforce the financial and life-long commitment that comes with owning a dog for its entire life.

Georgina Lowrey, Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside said: “Each year, we see dogs being abandoned in and around the Christmas period, as dogs that were bought impulsively, no longer hold any excitement and the commitment wears thin. We really hope that this campaign is a fun way to reinforce the charities slogan and remind people of the seriousness of owning a dog.