Bella the puppy wants to say ‘thanks’ with a big lick to the shoppers at the Co-op who have raised £2,770 for the animal hospital in Bow that treats sick and injured pets.

East London Advertiser: Bella the puppy thanks Co-op shoppers for choosing PDSA's animal hospital in Bow as their charity of the year. Picture:Tim WinterBella the puppy thanks Co-op shoppers for choosing PDSA's animal hospital in Bow as their charity of the year. Picture:Tim Winter (Image: Tim Winter)

Bella and other dogs like this one being treated by a vet are among thousands of pets the PDSA looks after with donations like the gift from the Co-op stores in Bow Road and Mile End Road.

“Our service is vital for east London’s pets,” PDSA vet Rosamund Ford explained. “For many owners who come through our doors, their pet is their only companion.

“We are there for them when times are hard and they can’t afford the care their pets need.”

The cash is helping the charity treat 180 pets every day at the animal surgery in Malmesbury Road.

Co-op manager Shehan Ravindranath said: “The PDSA is a lifeline here in Bow— supporting the charity makes sure pets have access to care when their owners fall on hard times.”

Shoppers buying in-house brand goods automatically donate one per cent to the charity of their choice if they’ve signed up to the community fund. Many chose the PDSA as their favourite charity.