HUNDREDS of rescue animals in South Wales will have fabulous festive treats after generous donors made a Christmas shoebox appeal a huge success.

A group of animal lovers, most with businesses linked to looking after or caring for pets, launched the appeal in October, asking people to fill shoeboxes with tasty treats or other presents for dogs, cats and rabbits, for distribution to rescue shelters and charities.

The Argus featured the appeal last month, and it took off, said Sarah Lavender from Newport, one of the organisers.

“It’s been amazing, the amount of people who have helped out,” she said.

Yesterday, group members gathered all gift boxes, made up more with individual donated items, and began their distribution.

Newport City Dogs Home, Mittens Cat Rescue, and Friends of the Animals RCT will receive the boxes, to help look after hundreds of dogs, cats and rabbits that depend on the dedication of staff and volunteers, not just at Christmas, but all year round.

It fast became apparent, as the boxes stacked up, just what a success the appeal has been, to the surprise and delight of those who have collected and stored gifts at their homes.

As well as Ms Lavender, who runs Woof (&Miaow!) Newport, the appeal organisers are Cheryl Walker (Catlady Pet Sitters), Tanya Demarco (Pretty Pooch), Sarah Davies (Adorable Friends), Robyn Johnson (Madhatters K-9 Care), Ros Howell (Cariad Pet Care), Terry Payne (Dogsbody Mobile Grooming), Rachel Hunter (Wags or Whiskers) and Christabel John-Linn (Christabel Photography).

“It was just an idea I had, everyone got behind it, and people have been very generous,” said Ms Lavender.

“We’ve been busy collecting and storing things. My car’s been full of stuff for weeks. I’m glad I’ve finally got it back.”

Or maybe not just yet.

Today was to be the appeal’s final day, but so inspiring has been the response, the group has decided that - with donations still coming in - it will continue until Christmas.

A Facebook page - facebook.com/groups/doggyshoebox - set up to support the appeal, remains the main point of contact and information.