PEOPLE respond with incredible kindness and generosity to our appeals for donations during the year -- and particularly in the run up to Christmas.

However, there is one more request I would like to make this year and that is for the homes for some of our older dogs and cats, whose owners can no longer care for them. Maybe you are getting older yourself and cannot walk as far as you could, but would still like a companion. We have five eight-10 year old dogs and a similar number of five-10 year old cats which are all overlooked in favour of younger animals.

We operate a "pension plan" for any of our older animals which are on permanent medication -- meaning that (apart from routine vets visits for vaccinations, etc) the RSPCA would pay for any continuation treatments.

With the best will in the world, we can only give them limited attention in our care and it upsets us to think they may have to spend the Winter or some part of it without the home comforts they have been used to or deserve.

If you can help, please ring us on 01204 521160 between 10am and 4pm Monday/Friday, or 10am-1pm Wednesday.

Katherine M Kay

Branch Administrator

RSPCA

205, St George's Road

Bolton