The RSPCA has teamed up with acclaimed cartoonist Rupert Fawcett - famed for his Off The Leash series - to spread the ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ message this National Dog Day (26 August).
An animated series of the popular cartoons has been launched and, to celebrate, creator Rupert Fawcett has released a special charity cartoon supporting the work of the RSPCA - the UK’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.
Fawcett is a cartoonist and writer who released Off The Leash on Facebook in 2012, developing the series into a best-selling book franchise, to celebrate the nation’s dogs.
Releasing his special charity edition in partnership with the RSPCA, he said: “I was delighted to be asked to draw a cartoon for the RSPCA – I didn’t have to think twice!
“Their aim to rescue dogs from all walks of life really resonated; my Off The Leash cartoons feature such a varied number of breeds, and I’d love to think that they’d found their forever homes through the likes of one of the fantastic centres that the charity fund.”
The cartoon - championing rescue dogs and the work of the RSPCA - coincides with the launch of Off The Leash this weekend. Animation studio Factory has worked with the cartoonist to create a 2D line-animated version of the hit illustrations about dogs. The series, of 12 60-second episodes, launches on Saturday on a newly created YouTube channel.
Klare Kennett, RSPCA assistant director of communications, said: “It’s fantastic to work with Rupert and Off The Leash to raise awareness of rescue dogs and how rewarding it is to give these wonderful dogs a second chance at a happy life.
“Just like Rupert’s cartoons show, every single dog is an individual with his or her own personalities, traits and quirks, and the RSPCA is all about matching the right dog to the right home.
“Our dedicated officers and inspectors are there to help dogs when they need us the most and our incredible animal centre staff are there to help potential new owners and their paw-fect pets find each other.
“If you’d like a lovable pooch to curl up with on the sofa and you’re thinking of adding a dog to your family we’d urge you to consider a rescue dog. We have hundreds of wonderful pooches, of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages, waiting for to find their loving new homes.”
Dexter
Dexter (pictured) has been with the RSPCA’s Danaher Animal Home, in Essex, since March. The 11-month-old shar pei cross is nervous of new people but, once he knows you, is a very loving and affectionate boy. He is looking for experienced owners who are happy to continue working to socialise him and build his confidence. For more about Dexter, please visit the Danaher website: www.rspcaessex.org.uk/dexter13513.html.
To find out more about the RSPCA rescue pets looking for new homes, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet and to share stories of your RSPCA rescues use #FindEachOther.
The RSPCA rehomed 9,403 dogs in England & Wales in 2016 from its network of animal centres and branches.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).