SEVERELY underweight and covered in large bald patches, Lassie arrived at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre in an appalling condition.

Thanks to staff at the South Mimms care home the female dog has been given a new lease of life – but she is still seeking a new home and loving family.

With Christmas fast approaching, staff at the Packhorse Lane centre want to make the big day a special one for Lassie and all the other 420 animals in their care.

So this week the Sponsor a Christmas Dinner and Treat Appeal was launched.

Centre manager Anna White told the Potters Bar Edition: “We like to make Christmas time special for the animals in care.

“This year we would like to give every single animal, from the dogs to the pigs, from the horses to the mice, the cats to the cockerels, an extra tasty and special Christmas dinner, a treat and a toy.

“Knowing our animals as well as we do, we know that a lovely dinner, a treat and a toy will make the day more enjoyable to them.”

A donation of �2.50 is needed for each of the dogs, cats, budgies, canaries, wild birds, horses, pigs and snakes, for a luxurious festive dinner.

“Although our animals are lucky because they will be safe and secure here over the festive season, in reality they are unlucky because they are homeless,” said Anna.

“They are all here because of the actions of people, either intentional or unintentional: lack of training, poor handling, money problems, moving home.”

Anna added: “Every donation we receive from the public will help make it a special day for the animals here.

“Please support our appeal.”

If you would like to buy a homeless animal a dinner call RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre on 0300 123 0704.