Give a dog a bed this winter
A lorry unit which is normally bursting with rugs and blankets for the up to 70 dogs it houses is pitifully empty.
"We had a look in it today and it's never been this bad," said volunteer Emma Mason.
"The unit is normally full to bursting but it's just got really bad, and we need as much of that as possible with the cold winter months ahead of us.
"We really need people to donate old rugs and blankets, it would make such a difference."
The centre, based in Rushall, has pens which allow dogs to roam inside and outside, and volunteers are also used to exercise the animals until they are re-homed.
The Advertiser has reported on numerous occasions Walsall's deepening problems of pet abandonment with Walsall RSPCA struggling to cope with the tide of unwanted pets.
Rosedene deals solely with dogs who are found abandoned on the streets or left at the centre.
A team of five volunteers turn up most days to clean out the pens which form the dogs' temporary homes while many more arrive to take them on 'walkies'.
"The six week school holiday was the worst period," added Miss Mason.
"There were so many abandonments and the recession has got to have a major part in that, people just cannot afford to look after their animals.
"But we do have quite a few that have just escaped, especially males at the moment with them being in season and are out seeking bitches.
"Add to this it is bonfire night soon when it always goes crazy with dogs coming in – we need as much help as we can get."
Although not a registered charity, the centre does rely on the generosity of the public and from volunteers.
Miss Smith explained: "It is the bedding we really need at the moment, but we are always looking for more volunteers to help us exercise the dogs, especially during the week."
If anybody can help the Rosedene Centre with donations of items or volunteering their time, call the centre on 01922 627013.
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