Can the “Wimble-dogs” help serve up tennis balls?

Playful hounds from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are appealing to the canine companions of Wimbledon stars Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to help them bag some new tennis balls.

Find out how to donate a ball here

Battersea’s dogs are hoping Murray’s Border Terrier Maggie May and Djokovic’s Poodle Pierre can encourage tennis lovers to donate balls to the charity. The balls are exceptionally popular among Battersea’s 450 canine residents, who get through thousands each year.

Maggie May and Pierre are two of the exclusive “Wimble-dogs” set, alongside Maria Sharapova’s Pomeranian Dolce and Venus Williams’ Havanese Harold. Battersea’s dogs are hoping Maggie May and Pierre will be able to help highlight their plea for tennis balls, as they both have Twitter accounts, with over 8,000 followers between them.

Tennis balls don’t have to be Centre Court standard to be enjoyed at Battersea, and tennis fans can donate new or unwanted balls at any of the charity’s three centres in London, Old Windsor or Brands Hatch. The charity is hopeful that tennis lovers will donate their old balls when they lose their spin or get a bit worn around the edges. Supporters can also buy three tennis balls for £2 via Battersea’s website here, which will then be given to the charity’s dogs.

Battersea Operations Manager Carlton Spears explains: “Our dogs would be incredibly grateful for any tennis balls, and we’re hoping the Wimble-dogs and their fans will be able to lob a few balls our way.”

Richie the one year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of Battersea’s tennis-loving dogs who would adore a new ball. He arrived as a stray in February, and he loves to chase and play with his tennis ball. Carlton adds: “Tennis balls are one of the most popular toys here at Battersea – our dogs can’t get enough of them. Richie has been with us for 100 days today, and a fun tennis ball game is one way we help keep him happy and busy while he waits to find a new home.”

To buy a tennis ball online for a Battersea dog please visit www.battersea.org.uk/tennis

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Notes to editors

• Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of our help.  We reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners through our Lost Dogs & Cats Line or care for them until new homes can be found for them, giving them shelter and the highest standards of kennelling and veterinary care. 
• Since it was founded, Battersea has rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs and cats.
• In 2011 the Home cared for almost 6,000 dogs and 3,000 cats.
• It cost £13.5 million to care for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s animals in 2011.
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home receives no government funding towards the running of the Home and relies on the generosity and support of the public to help care for lost and abandoned dogs & cats. To make a donation visit our website or call 0870 890 0000.
• In addition to the site in South West London, the Home also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home rehomes dogs and cats all over the UK.
• For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home please visit www.battersea.org.uk.