A tail-wagging good time: annual dog show returns to ‘fetch’ support for Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Somerset Charity, Ferne Animal Sanctuary is set to unleash a day of tail-wagging fun at its 30th annual dog show on Sunday 1st September 2024, kindly sponsored by Everys Solicitors and Lulu’s Natural Dog Treats. This paw-some event promises a day filled with fun classes, have-a-go agility, stalls from local businesses, fundraising activities, delicious food and lots more – the ulti-mutt day out for both dogs and their humans!
Taking place on the Sanctuary’s expansive 72-acre site near Chard, this year’s dog show is more than just a walk in the park. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages are invited to strut their stuff in a variety of fur-bulous categories. From the ‘Cutest Youngster’ to ‘Best Trick’ and ‘Loveliest Large Dog’, there is a class for every pup. Other categories include ‘Best Ferne Rescue’, ‘Best Veteran, ‘Prettiest Bitch’, and of course no dog show would be complete without an award for the waggiest tail!
Whether your dog is a seasoned pro or just putting their best paw forward, the agility course and sit-and-stay challenge will also get their tails-wagging. For those up for the ultimate test, Temptation Alley will try their willpower as they race past toys and treats to reunite with their owners.
The fun doesn’t stop with the dogs, with a children’s obstacle course, a host of family games and activities, a wide range of stalls from local businesses and delicious food also available, there’s something to enjoy for all the family. And best of all, every penny raised will go directly toward helping Ferne Animal Sanctuary rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need.
The dog show kicks off at 10am, and with an entry fee of just £10 per car—including parking—you’ll be barking mad to miss it. Each class costs just £2 to enter, so grab your pooch and head to Ferne Animal Sanctuary on Sunday, 1st September, for a day that’s sure to be paws-itively unforgettable.
Kevan Hodges, Chief Executive Officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, says, “Our annual dog show has become a highlight of the year for both our local community and their beloved canine companions. But what truly makes this event special is the impact it has on the lives of the animals in our care. It is a day of fun with a powerful purpose, and we can’t wait to see our community come together to make a difference for the animals who rely on us."
A diverse and generous group of sponsors have committed to supporting this year's dog show. Each class has been proudly sponsored by local businesses and organisations, including Walpole Dunn, Minster Veterinary Surgery, Coombefield Vets, Blackdown Hills National Landscape, SMS PC & iPhone Repair, Debonair Dogz, Verm-X, Yarcombe Woodland Products, Arlo Services LTD, Wiggle Tails, Pawsome Fun Paddock, Tail Mill Tail Trail, ADPR, and Heavenly Views Dog Park. Their contributions ensure that this event will be a memorable celebration of our beloved four-legged friends.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary is one of the oldest animal charities in the UK. Founded by Lady Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon, The Ferne Estate located on the Wiltshire Dorset border started taking in animals in 1939 at the outbreak of World War 2. Ferne became a registered charity in 1965 and relocated from Wiltshire to form Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset in 1975. Throughout the past eighty-five years, Ferne has rescued, rehabilitated, or rehomed circa 40,000 animals. There are always approximately 300 animals on the 72-acre sanctuary, and another 200-250 animals are successfully rehomed each year.
For more information about Ferne Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org
