Open day and dog show at pet charity

21/08/2007

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Tiverton is calling out for visitors to come along to its annual open day on Sunday 26 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 11.00am and entry admission is free. Judging for the scruffs fun dog show begins at 12.00 pm. There will be 7 classes for novelty classes, including 'Dog Most Like Its Owner' and 'Dog with the Wagiest Tail'. Visitors are encouraged to enter their dog into as many classes as they like at £1 per class.

Visitors looking for a more energetic canine event can enter the 'Scurry Run' competition and see if their dog can run the fastest at 50 pence per dog. There will be agility displays with the chance for visiting dogs to also show their skills alongside their owners.

There will also be more doggy games, raffle, family activities, plus a hog roast and BBQ will be available throughout the day. Jazz Band - 'Jazz Express' will provide the musical entertainment.

Damian Harrison, Blue Cross centre manager at Tiverton 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 Tiverton animal adoption centre: Chilton Gate, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8RS. Parking facilities will be available. For more information please call the centre on 01884 855291.

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.

·Tiverton animal adoption centre opened in 1985 and is now one of the charity's largest centres. Located in central Devon, it serves a wide base of the local community, covering Tiverton, Exeter, Crediton, Cullompton, Wellington, Taunton, Barnstaple and North Devon with a large rural catchment area between. In 1990 a new kennel block was built holding 32 kennels, and 16 cat units as well as an isolation unit for both cats and dogs. In 1999 a further isolation block was built, accommodating 14 cat units for nursing mums and kittens and new arrivals, as well as a puppy/dog isolation unit with three kennels. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

·To contact the centre please call 01884 855291. Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday & Friday - Sunday & Bank Holidays: 11am - 4pm.  Closed on Thursdays

·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 .