Ayrshire Car Traders in donation plea for Islay Dog Rescue

Ayrshire Car Traders have launched a plea for donations of dog food, which will be donated to Islay Dog Rescue in honour of a "beloved family member".

Chocolate lab, Duke, had become a well-known presence at the business and would often be the first face customers would see.

Sadly, Duke recently passed away at the tender age of 15, leaving a gaping hole in the company.

He was a valuable part of the team (Image: Submitted)

To honour Duke, Ayrshire Car Traders recently sent out a plea so they can gather as much dog food as possible to donate to the charity in the run-up to Christmas.

David Maxwell, from Ayrshire Car Traders, said: “People got to know Duke, like neighbours and local businesses and things like that all became used to him being here.

“He really was part of the family and everybody that met him absolutely loved him, so he’s a really big miss here and a big miss at home.

“We wanted to do something to remember him and give a bit back.

“You know what it can be like at Christmas when it can be a time for people to reflect and remember loved ones, so that’s why we’re doing it for this time of year."

Having seen the work that's carried out by the Islay Dog Rescue team, David was certain that was who they wanted to support.

He added: “These dogs are in a position that’s no fault of their own.

“We’d always been aware of the work that Islay do, and with them being local to us, we thought that we would support them and we know that any donations we give will be going directly to help these dogs.

“We’re looking to gather biscuits, food, tins of sardines and tuna and things like that.

“They also need things like washing tablets because they’re always needing to wash the beddings, so they’ll be grateful for all of it.

“Even if we don’t get hundreds and hundreds of things, anything we get will be a bonus and if it helps one dog, then it’s a good thing."

Duke was a well-known face (Image: Submitted) If things go well this year, David is hoping it's something they can build on in the future.

“We want to try and remember Duke by doing this," he added.

"We’re hoping to try and do it every year.

“We’ve started it at this time of year so we can try and gather up as much as possible for them.

“Whatever people can spare, we really appreciate it.”

Anyone who is able to can drop off donations to Ayrshire Car Traders, based at 17 Peebles Street, Ayr.