Those Battersea Dogs & Cats Home folk are getting crafty once more. This time for Staffordshire Bull Terriers, as part of a campaign to show the soft and squishy-hearted side of the breed.
Staffies have had rather bad press over the years but Battersea are determined to show that they're just as lovely as other hounds. A knitted Staffie has been designed exclusively for the charity by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, the knitty duo behind the Best in Show: Knit Your Own Dog book.
The handmade hound was taken to Westminster for the official launch of the campaign at the House of Commons, and later this month the charity's 50,000+ Facebook fans will be called on to pick a name for the campaign mascot.
Dog-stitching supremo Sally says: "Both Joanna and I have owned Battersea dogs before so we are delighted to be working with Battersea on such a worthwhile campaign. Hopefully our knitted Staffie will encourage more people to see Staffies in a different light. Our designs are quite simple and perfect for beginners. If you love crafts and dogs you'll love this project."
Of the 7000 lost and unwanted dogs 40 percent were Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie crosses. They're hoping the new knitted Staffie will encourage folks to give the real ones some love.
You can find out more about the breed over at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and buy the Staffie Knitting Pattern for £2.
