Open day and dog show at Thirsk

06/08/2007

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre near Thirsk is calling out for visitors to come along to its annual open day on Sunday 12 August 2007. All funds raised will go towards helping the dogs and cats in the charity's care until they find new homes.

Gates open at 11.30am and entry is £1.00 for adults and 50 pence for children and senior citizens. Judging for the dog show begins at 12.30pm. There will be breed and novelty classes, including the waggiest tail, most appealing eyes, best Blue Cross dog or bitch and best junior handler. There will also be a scamps heat for crossbreeds and mongrels. Visitors are encouraged to enter their dog into as many classes as they like at £1.00 per class.

Visitors can also test their dog's good citizen skills with the Canine Connexon Dog Training School, enter the best pet photograph competition or the balloon race which launches at 3.30pm.  Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Visitors looking for a more energetic canine event can enter the find the sausage competition or chocolate button race. There will also be a 'guess the name of the teddy' contest, craft stalls and children's activities. 

Jackie Haw, Blue Cross deputy centre manager at Thirsk said: We are really excited about this year's open day which promises to be a fun day out for all the family. Visitors and their dogs can take part in the events and meet up with old friends. This fun day will be enjoyed by everyone and we encourage dog owners and non dog owners alike to come along and support their local Blue cross centre.

The Blue Cross receives no government funding and relies entirely on public donations. The open day will take place in the grounds of the Thirsk animal adoption centre: Parklands, Station Road, Topcliffe, Thirsk, YO7 3SE. Parking facilities will be available. For more information please call the centre on 01845 577759.

ENDS
Notes to editors:

Media are welcome to attend, please contact the press office for more information.

Interviews with centre staff can be arranged prior to or during the event. 

Images will be available after the event on request.

Thirsk animal adoption centre was opened in 1987 from partly converted old boarding kennels. One building on the site was an ablution block for the RAF during the Second World War. The centre serves North Yorkshire, Teeside and parts of West Yorkshire. A new cattery and reception was built in 1999. The centre can accommodate up to 24 dogs and 40 cats. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre please call 01845 577759. Opening hours: Tuesday Sunday: 10am - 5pm. Closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.
Media contact; Louise Lee, Press officer: 020 7932 4066 / 07880 781637 louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk