CELEBRITY canine Ginger joined some tail-wagging friends to highlight the plight of homeless dogs.

The popular pooch strolled along Weymouth Esplanade with her rescuers and dogs and staff from Woodland Farm Strays in a ‘Stroll for Strays’ fundraiser.

The Sheltie-cross terrier captured the heart of a nation when she was abandoned live on CCTV outside BMT Defence Services in Weymouth last month.

Her previous owner is now being investigated for causing cruelty to an animal.

People donated cash to the cause as bucket-wielding walkers made their way from the Pavilion to Overcombe and back on Saturday in an event organised by BMT staff.

Ginger attracted a lot of attention on the walk with people travelling to Weymouth especially to meet her.

Pensioner Sheila Dunford of Dorchester said she had followed the Sheltie-cross terrier’s story from her abandonment to her transformation to international media star.

Mrs Dunford said: “I came especially to see Ginger. How could anyone have abandoned her? She’s lovely and I was so pleased to meet her.”

Mary Bull, of the Bridport animal shelter where Ginger is staying, said her search for a new home was continuing.

“I’ve sent out 20 email questionnaires and about 30 postal questionnaires to people who want to home Ginger.

“We want to find out more about the homing offers.”

Also joining the group for walkies was abandoned collie Nessun, found on Portland in August with cuts on his face and a flea infestation.

Mrs Bull added that the parade of pooches was designed to send out a clear message.

“Ginger is so recognisable that we need to use her as our mascot and make what we can of it to show there are other strays looking for a home. We’re also looking for volunteers to walk the dogs.”

Goodie bags containing treats and sweets were donated for the dogs by The Pet Experience in Weymouth.

Extra cash was raised before the walk began through a discounted micro-chipping service offered by Weymouth and Portland dog warden Ian Lewis.

BMT worker Ali Marfell, of West Compton, came up with the idea for the seaside stroll.

She said: “We thought we’d get T-shirts made with Ginger’s face on and make ourselves noticeable to get some donations.

“We never expected the amount of publicity from Ginger’s story that we got and we thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight the fact that there are a lot of strays that need good homes.”

Her colleague Steve Sudworth, of Weymouth, who originally found Ginger, said she had caused quite a stir.

“As soon as we started walking, people started coming up and asking ‘is that Ginger?’ “They’ve all been so generous and more than willing to chuck a couple of bob at us.”

BMT worker Mike Joliffe, who took the abandoned dog to the vet, said: “We really want to highlight the cause.

“Ginger is the dog off the telly, but we want to show people that all these other dogs are beauties and need a home too.”

Call 01308 423104 to donate or to volunteer for dog walking duties.