Kind-hearted Kingswinford 6-year-old starts Christmas morning with ‘walkies’ for rescue greyhounds
A six year old girl from Kingswinford put kindness before Christmas presents this year by spending her Christmas morning helping rescue dogs in need.
Scarlett, aged six, began her festive celebrations by visiting Home Run Hounds, a completely volunteer-run greyhound rescue charity, to deliver a huge collection of donated items she had gathered as part of her festive appeal, Scarlett’s Santa Squad.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Scarlett launched Scarlett’s Santa Squad to collect donations from friends, family and members of the local community. The appeal was a great success, bringing in essential supplies including bedding, food, toys and other items needed to care for rescued greyhounds while they wait for their forever homes.
On Christmas morning, Scarlett proudly delivered the donations to the kennels before taking on a very special role — helping to kick off the dogs’ Christmas Day routine by starting their morning “walkies”.
Scarlett said: “I really enjoyed helping to make sure the dogs without homes have their own Christmas presents — every dog deserves presents!”
Volunteers at Home Run Hounds said Scarlett’s visit was a heart warming way to begin Christmas Day and highlighted how vital community support is for the charity.
Tracey Parberry, Chair of Home Run Hounds charity, said: “Scarlett is an incredible little girl with such a huge heart for someone so young. We are so pleased she chose to support us.”
Home Run Hounds rescues and rehomes greyhounds, a breed often overlooked despite their gentle and affectionate nature. Donations such as those collected through Scarlett’s Santa Squad play a vital role in ensuring the dogs receive daily care, warmth and comfort, particularly during the winter months.
Scarlett’s mum, Louise Westwood, said the idea came from Scarlett herself. She said: “Scarlett wanted to do something to support a local charity this Christmas. We talked about different options, and she asked if she could support the greyhounds, and this is how Scarlett’s Santa Squad was born. The generosity of our family, friends and local community has been nothing short of incredible. As her parents, we are so very proud of Scarlett and what she has achieved.”
Photos from the visit show Scarlett delivering the donated items and spending time with the greyhounds as they enjoyed their Christmas Day walks.
The charity hopes Scarlett’s efforts will inspire others across the Black Country to support local rescue organisations through donations, volunteering, or by considering adopting a greyhound.
