An online fundraising appeal to help a much-loved pet store continue delivering food to customers despite it having to close down, has reach 61% of its £3,000 target. At the timing of going to press 52 people had donated a total of £1,850.

Pet Trade Xtra reported on the fate of Poppy’s Paws in Exmouth, Devon, which announced it was being forced to close its premises due to reasons ‘beyond its control’.

A friend of the owners has launched a fundraising appeal on the Just Giving platform so that the pet store c continue to supply its specially formulated and popular pet food.

Lance Vernon, who opened Poppy’s Paws six years ago with his mother Shirley, announced the store’s closure on Facebook last week.

He wrote: “It is with huge upset that we write this post but sadly for reasons beyond our control myself, my mum and sister have been forced to close Poppy’s Paws. This really has come as a shock to us all and we are all so sad about this. 

“We would like to thank all our customers and partners who have shopped and supported us over the last six years – you have all been amazing. It’s has really been the best six years, so thank you all. 

‘I can’t believe I’ve had to write this post, it’s heartbreaking.” 

The announcement, which shocked the local pet owning community, led to a family friend launching an appeal to raise £8,000.

Frankie Perry wrote on Facebook: “Lance’s shop is a beloved part of the Exmouth community, so I have set up a fundraising page, so he can continue to supply his specially formulated and incredibly popular pet food. He has been inundated with requests since the announcement of the shop closure.

“The money donated will help purchase a van, so Lance can create a new Poppy’s Food mobile pop-up shop.”

Click here to visit the fundraising page. At the timing of going to press 41 people had donated a total of £850 of the £8,000 target.

Picture courtesy of the Just Giving page.