Organisers of the PetQuip Awards gave Betty & Butch's Angel Moore and Paul Fox donations of dog toys and food from event sponsors Stax plc, Ernest Charles, Petface, Natures Menu and PATS, to hand over to Manchester Dogs' Home after a fatal fire destroyed the historic building.

Crown Pet Foods team also responded once they had heard about the fire in which 43 dogs died and many more had to be rescued and rehomed.

The day after the fire, a consignment of pet beds, towels, blankets, feeding bowls, toys and large amounts of both Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved foods were delivered to the Cheshire Dogs' Home, where many of the survivors were relocated.

Andy Reed, Crown Pet Foods managing director, said: “This was an awful tragedy, and we just wanted to help however we could. The public response from all over the country – and beyond – has been absolutely fantastic, but in the short term getting these dogs fed and comfortable again was our priority.” 

Meanwhile, temporary kennels are being built at Manchester Dogs’ Home. A website set up to bring together all of the volunteers offering their services to re-build the wreck has listed 3,000 individuals and companies who have already signed up.

Among the businesses that have come forward are a ‘massive company offering a completely new re-build’ and a doughnut van offering to sell sugary treats outside the dogs’ home.

Another company showing interest in the rebuilding project is the BBC, after an online petition with 12,000 signatures called for popular show DIY SOS to come to the rescue.

The makeover programme’s series producer told the Manchester Evening News the show is ‘definitely interested’ in helping out.

Pictured: Some of the donations from customers outside the Betty & Butch store in Manchester.