Alan Jacques
PET retailer Maxi Zoo proved to have big hearts this Christmas with the donation of warm coats for the Limerick Animal Welfare organization to kit out 68 dogs in style.
Maxi Zoo, which has 15 stores around the country, supports numerous local animal welfare charities as well as the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Dogs Trust. This Christmas, the pet store’s Limerick branch got in the seasonal spirit by donating coats to Limerick Animal Welfare to ensure animals in its care are protected from the wet and cold weather.
Executive director of Maxi Zoo Ireland, Alice Cross explained, “A dog’s breed, age, size and state of health affect how well it can withstand cold. Not every dog is robust and the slender breeds can freeze quite easily.”
“A lot of dog breeds are originally from warmer climates and need protection in cold seasons. Their hair is often not thick enough to insulate their bodies so it made perfect sense for us to donate dog coats,” she added.
Dogs at Limerick Animal Welfare will now be stepping out in style as the dog coats by leading brands such as Smilla, Flinn and Hurtta are among the best-sellers at Maxi Zoo stores nationwide. The coats are designed for active dogs and feature everything from fleece lining to reflective, water resistant and breathable materials.
“Putting a dog in a coat has nothing to do with vanity. It is about responsible pet ownership. There is no good reason why a dog’s clothing should not be as good as that of its owner’s outdoor clothing,” Ms Cross said.
