A VETERINARY group in Bridgwater is calling on dog owners to help raise cash for a charity which provides trained dogs for ex-servicemen.

Blake Veterinary Group is raising funds to purchase a new puppy for ‘Hounds for Heroes’ by vaccinating dogs for Kennel Cough.

The charity provides specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of both the UK armed forces and civilian emergency services.

Sue Webster from veterinary group said: “This is a very worthwhile fundraising initiative whereby 25p will be donated for every dog vaccinated for Kennel Cough to raise £20,000 between November 11 2012 and November 11 2013.

“Kennel Cough is a highly contagious disease that is easily spread from dog to dog.”

The scheme is part of the vet practice’s Pounds for Hounds initiative launched on November 11 2012.

Gulf War Veteran, Allen Parton, founded the charity. He said: “The mental and physical help provided by a trained assistance dog is phenomenal.

“It is initiatives such as Pounds for Hounds that help us get that bit closer to our goal.”

Vaccine manufacturer, Pfizer Animal Health, is behind the campaign. Call 01278-451592 or visit www.houndsforheroes.com.