CLACKMANNANSHIRE councillor Ellen Forson wants people to ‘paws’ for thought when thinking of buying a pooch for a Christmas gift this year.

Ellen joined politicians from across Scotland recently in attending an event in Holyrood organised by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, to raise awareness of its annual Christmas campaign.

The event celebrated the 35th anniversary of the iconic Dogs Trust slogan, “A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas”.

Guests were given the opportunity to take a festive Dogs Trust sleigh ride and meet a large number of furry friends.

These pooches, however, were all stuffed toys – the only suitable kind of dog to give as a gift.

Ellen Forson said, “I am delighted to support Dogs Trust and help the charity mark the 35th anniversary of its famous slogan, which is as important now as it ever has been. A dog is a lifetime commitment and should never be bought on impulse as if it were a new television or a pair of shoes.

“This message is particularly poignant during the festive season, when people are buying all sorts of gifts on a whim without necessarily considering the consequences. I would urge anyone thinking of buying a dog or puppy as a Christmas present to ‘paws’ before doing so, and remember that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.” For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.