Bonnyrigg schoolgirl raised cash to thank her puppy pal for helping her through lockdown

An animal-loving schoolgirl has raised £400 to help abandoned pets find new homes to say thank you to her rescue dog Tess for helping her get through lockdown.

Alana Scott and Graeme Scott, both 36, rescued their beloved pet Tess more than a decade ago.

The lovable mutt has always been a big part of family life with daughters Evie, nine and Ella, five unable to remember life without her.

The Bonnyrigg based family said their dog has helped them during lockdown.

Sisters Evie Scott (left) and Ella Scott (right) are unable to remember a life without their beloved pet Tess.

Mrs Scott said: “Tess is a huge part of our family and we couldn’t ask for a more beautiful and sensitive soul.

“Tess has helped us as a family get through lockdown, helping Evie and Ella have fun on our daily walks and in the garden on sunny days.”

While Tess has found a happy home, the animal charity Edinburgh’s Care and Dog Home has reported an increase in the number of pets abandoned on Edinburgh’s streets during the pandemic.

The home which costs over £2m per year to run, receives no regular government funding and relies on public donations to fund its work.

The Scott family rescued Tess from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home ten years ago.

The charity, established 140 years ago, said it is struggling to continue to support all pets during the pandemic due to cancelled events such as the annual Kiltwalk causing a lack of donations.

When kind-hearted Evie learned that the charity was in trouble she decided she wanted to do her bit to help.

She said: “It makes me sad and upset that more animals are being abandoned during the pandemic.

"Right now it is even more important that the home stays open to help these animals.”

Schoolgirl Evie Scott was delighted to have finished her first 10k in good time.

“But my mum told me that the Cat and Dog Home were really struggling for money and could possibly close.

“As we have a dog that was from the home I thought it would be good if I could help raise some money.”

Eager to help, the Burnbrae primary school pupil took on a 10k running challenge which raised £400.

She said: “ I had never run as far as 10k and I was very nervous. I was really surprised I was able to run as far and it felt amazing.”

From left to right: Ella Scott, five, rescue puppy Tess and Evie Scott, nine enjoyed their daily walks during lockdown.

“This fundraising event was so much fun and showed me if you set yourself a challenge and put your mind to it you can achieve so much.

“I would like to thank everyone that donated to my run and hope people keep donating to the home so they can stay open and keep helping abandoned dogs and cats.”

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s Community Fundraiser Hannah Ryan said “It has been a really tough year for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and most of our community fundraising has been put on hold to comply with government restrictions.

“We were delighted when Evie chose to run for the Home, at just 9 years old running a 10k is amazing and she smashed it!

"Thank you so much to Evie and everyone who sponsored her, we are so grateful.”

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.