Three tiny Pomeranians who spent years living among around 120 other dogs and had never experienced something as simple as a walk outdoors are among the rescue animals set to benefit from a new animal welfare campaign.

Paula, Pearl and Podge are currently being cared for at Gloucestershire-based Teckels Animal Sanctuaries after being rescued from an overcrowded household where they are believed to have spent between eight and 11 years of their lives.

Having known little beyond the confines of a house packed with dogs, the trio are now slowly adjusting to a world that most pets take for granted.

Their story has been highlighted as Naturewatch Foundation announced Teckels as its official charity partner for the 2026 World Animal Day Donate a Dinner campaign, which helps provide food and support for animals waiting in rescue centres.

The partnership comes at a challenging time for shelters across the country, many of which are grappling with rising costs, increasing numbers of abandoned pets and the continuing consequences of irresponsible and illegal breeding.

To mark the launch, Sarah Carr, chief executive of Naturewatch Foundation and coordinator of World Animal Day, visited the sanctuary alongside colleagues to present a £100 donation, enough to provide a meal for each of the 42 dogs currently awaiting homes at the centre.

Among them is Apollo, a three-year-old Huntaway cross Husky, who is also hoping to find a family of his own.

The visit offered a reminder of the pressures facing rescue organisations as demand for their services continues to rise.

Ms Carr said: “I loved visiting Teckels Animal Sanctuary, meeting the dedicated staff, and the wonderful dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

“As a charity headquartered in Gloucestershire, I am so pleased that we can help Teckels Animal Sanctuary this year with our World Animal Day Donate a Dinner project.

“Every year we coordinate World Animal Day around the globe, so by launching the project now, we hope that lots of businesses, organisations and community groups will think which animal shelters they can help too on October 4.”

Chelsea Rogers, social media manager at Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, said the support was arriving at a crucial moment.

She said: “We are honoured to be the chosen charity partner for Naturewatch Foundation’s 2026 Donate a Dinner campaign.

“The rising cost of living has had a significant impact on Teckels, making support initiatives like this more important than ever.

“This campaign provides invaluable support for animal rescues, and we encourage everyone to get involved and show their support.

“A huge thank you to Naturewatch Foundation for their extremely generous donation of £100 to feed our rescues.”

World Animal Day is celebrated annually on October 4 and aims to inspire people around the world to improve the lives of animals.

Through the Donate a Dinner campaign, individuals, businesses, schools and community groups are encouraged to support local rescue centres through food donations, fundraising efforts or the purchase of essential supplies.

Further details will be announced closer to World Animal Day, but organisers are already urging supporters to consider how they can help struggling rescue centres in their own communities.

For more information, visit teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk.