A DOG show has highlighted the urgent need for support for a charity which helps rehome pets.
Over 100 dogs took part in the RSPCA Worcester and mid-Worcestershire dog show on Sunday (May 31).
Geraldine Haynes, branch chair of RSPCA Worcester and mid-Worcestershire, said: “The dog show is something we do every year, we get a lot of people coming back each year but also
“We were a bit concerned that, if the hot weather had continued, we might have to postpone the it, but luckily there is a nice breeze and it is a lot better for the dogs.
“It is nice to see some dogs that we have already rehomed taking part in the dog show.”
Among the dogs at the show who have been rehomed were Bella the chow chow, who came with her recently adopted family Mark and Vicki Frost.
Mark and Vicki Frost with their recently adopted Chow Chow Bella (Image: Newsquest)
Bella required several operations, including the surgery to fix her eyelids, and the charity is still helping Mr and Mrs Frost out with Bella’s care.
Money raised by the dog show helps to keep the branch going, with the charity facing a funding shortfall of £180,000 each year.
Mrs Haynes said: “We come under the umbrella of the RSPCA, but we are a separate self-funding charity in our own right, and we have to raise the funds for everything we do in our area.
We rehome about 400 animals per year and we get them all checked, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, as well as any veterinary care that they need when they come to us.
“A lot of them have behaviour problems which we have to get rehabilitated before they can go to a new home.
Roxy Cole and Grace Deakin with Cavalier King Charles Lola, Border Collie Hazel, and Dachshund-Beagle cross Heidi (Image: Newsquest)
“The main costs that we have are the salaries for the staff who are employed here, the vet bills, and the running costs of the centre like heating in the winter.”
The charity also offers kennel sponsorship options for people to help provide the charity with regular income to continue operations.
While there are a dozen classes for dogs to take part in, Mrs Haynes says she love the best rescue.
“Having done rehoming for 30-odd years, that is my favourite.
“But they are all fun classes, the dog who looks most like its owner, the waggiest tail, and the best veteran are all nice ones.
“We often see dogs we have rehomed in the past come back and enter the best veteran class.”