Mancunian canine lovers are throwing their weight behind the latest viral craze of dog selfies to raise money for fire-hit Manchester Dogs’ Home.
After the tragic fire claimed the lives of at least 60 dogs last night, Wythenshawe resident Joe Farrar took it upon himself to make a difference.
Raise money for #ManchesterDogsHome #DogSelfie text MDOG57 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070 to donate! pic.twitter.com/X8fkDnQbfE
— Regan Shepherd (@reganshepherd) September 12, 2014
Joe set up a Facebook page in aid of the troubled dogs’ home, which has already amassed more than 3000 likes, and he had urged owners to get involved.
Since his plea, hundreds of pictures are now flooding social media using the hashtag #Dogselfie, with owners eager to show off their prized pooches while helping out a worthy cause.
The campaign has even attracted some celebrity attention with Hollyoaks star Nico Mirallegro joining in on Instagram.
FAMOUS BACKING: A Hollyoaks star has joined the campaign (©Instagram with thanks)
Speaking to MM, Joe, a 25-year-old office worker, said he was inspired by previous viral campiagns such as the mega-popular Ice Bucket Challenge.
“I am a massive fan of the ‘social media movement’ especially when charitable causes are involved,” he said.
“I know the people here in Wythenshawe are great and can rally for a worthy cause.
“I knew it would spread throughout Manchester, but it’s gone further afield, even to the USA and Australia. So it has definitely gone better than I imagined.”
Get my bark card! Help the dogs at Manchester Dogs Home! #ManchesterDogsHome #Dogselfie https://t.co/iSw1EW1fZJ pic.twitter.com/PqNzPB382G
— sasha (@sashaml93) September 12, 2014
One JustGiving page for Manchester Dogs’ Home has raised more than £500,000 in less than 24 hours, and the selfie craze seems set to add to the figure.
Following the horrible news at Manchester Dogs Home, here’s our #dogselfie with Leo pic.twitter.com/tMPlggsptN
— Agent Marketing (@Agent_Marketing) September 12, 2014
As well as thanking his friends for their help in setting up the campaign, Joe was eager to pay gratitude to those who have taken part so far.
“I would just like to thank anyone who has taken a selfie, both the dog selfies and even the cat selfies too, or donated! They’re all amazing.”
To donate, visit the JustGiving page, or text MDOG57 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070
Main image courtesy of Facebook with thanks
