Damp Day for Dogs
12/06/2009 The RSPCA Coventry Branch is drying itself off after there annual dog show held last Sunday at Coombe Abbey fell foul to the English weather!

Organisers and Volunteer battled the appalling weather on Sunday morning to ensure the event went ahead. The Dog Show is one of the centre biggest fundraising events and the money normally raised through the event is crucial to the finances of the animals centre.

The animal centre which is currently rebuilding its kennels is still desperate for financial support to complete the build and help meet the daily running costs of the animal centre. The long awaited dream of the kennel rebuild is nearly here but continued support is what we need desperately. The current economic climate is having a double effect on the centre with an increase in the number of animals needing to come into our care and a reduction in donations it was more important than ever that the Dog Show raised its normal level of funds.

The normally busy event was left flagging with only a handful of hardened dog owners attending despite the weather improving during the day. However those that did attend had a great day and made the most of the poor turnout taking part in various games. Some of the volunteers brightened the day up by getting their faces painted and showing that we could make the best of the day.

Heather Jelfs Branch Trustee who organised the event said ‘Despite the days weather improving into a beautiful afternoon the weather had already done its damage. Meaning our normal level of supporters stayed away! It is incredibly disappointing as the event takes so much organising and work from a huge team of volunteers’

Those that did attend enjoyed a great day as the weather improved and everyone made the best of the show. Face painting and various other games and stalls made for a great day. Visitors also enjoyed displays from Nuneaton’s Clicker Display team.

The animal centre is planning to hold another dog show later in the year at Coventry Cricket Club in a hope to make up some of its losses. We also have lots of other events coming up including a sponsored abseil and dog walk, along with Barn Dances and various other nights out. All our events are on our website at www.rspca-coventry.org.uk anyone also wishing to make a donation can make one online or by phone on 024 76 336616.

Organisers of the event would like to thanks everyone that attended the event in particular all the volunteers who stood firm in the rain and made the most of the day.

We would also like to extend a special thankyou to Emmaus for there help and the loan of the gazebo.