A pet rescue and rehoming centre in Watford is appealing for donations to help a poorly dog as more owners are being forced to give up their beloved animals as a result of the coronavrius pandemic.

The National Animal Welfare Trust is seeing more people look for a new home for their pets, sometimes after many years, because they cannot afford vet bills as their household earnings have plummeted due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Thirteen-year-old Gracie is a classic example. The Yorkshire terrier came to the NAWT when her owner could not afford the veterinary costs for her care. Severely underweight, partially sighted and with arthritis in her back legs, she needs extensive treatment including removal of all her teeth. Altogether, her treatment will cost the NAWT more than £1,000.

Having been forced to close to visitors during the first lockdown, this is putting a big strain on the NAWT Watford centre. It has set up a JustGiving page and is asking for contributions, however small, towards her vet bills at www.justgiving.com/campaign/savinggracie

Centre manager Jackie de Friez said: “The good news is that with this lockdown, we are unlikely to see animals being dumped due to owners returning to work as people are being told to work from home instead. But with job losses and many businesses struggling, some pet owners are being forced to give up their much-loved family pets as they can no longer afford to pay for their care, particularly if they have hefty vet bills.”

For further information on the NAWT Watford or to rehome an animal, visit its website, call 0208 950 0177 (option 2) or email reception@nawt.org.uk