Visitors and dog-lovers are invited to a day of celebrations and fun as the new eco-friendly Jerry Green Dog Rescue centre in Blidworth is officially opened by Paddy Tipping.

 The annual Jerry Green Dog Rescue summer show will coincide with the official opening of the brand new rescue facility in Blidworth, on Sunday 23^rd August from 11.30am to 4.30pm. It’s only £1 entry per adult and under-16s go free.

The day of celebrations will begin at 10.30am with an invite-only walk around the new centre by Jerry Green staff, trustees and board members and the team from Williams Homes Ltd, who constructed the building.

The official opening ceremony will take place at 11am and will be overseen by Nottingham’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping, who was responsible for the provision of a pension to cover medical bills for retired police dogs.

The £1.75 million building boasts solar panels and a biomass boiler, which will help it run in a much more eco-friendly way, reducing heating costs and keeping the space warm in winter and cool in summer.

The facility also features high-specification and welfare-friendly accommodation for 27 dogs, including an intake block, spacious training barn, office space for staff and a new reception area.

“We’re delighted with the new centre, which will allow us to care for more dogs in need of rehoming,” said Martina Martin, Centre Manager for Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

“The facility offers an improved environment for the dogs, visitors and staff alike.  We have a better space for prospective owners to meet and spend time with the dogs, a key part of our Meet and Match process.”

Following the official opening ceremony the annual summer show will begin at 11.30am.

As well as scent-work demonstrations by Morag Heirs of Well Connected Canine visitors can get involved in the fun dog show, which will feature 13 different classes, including Junior Jerry’s: Child Handler, Best Veteran (eight years plus), Coolest Pup (16 weeks to one year) and Best Fancy Dress. Entries will be taken from 11.30am on the day and cost £1 per dog, per class. Judging will begin at midday.

The kids’ activity zone will keep little ones entertained, with activities to teach them about dog body language and behaviour; there will also be colouring in competitions, educational games and a chance to make treat boxes for the rescue dogs. Children can also have a go at scanning the stuffed toy dog to learn about micro-chipping.

Visitors are invited to get involved in the rescue dog walkabout and take a look at various stalls selling dog treats, plants, jewellery, fresh fruit and vegetables and much more.

People who don’t have a dog can find out more about the rescue dogs currently looking for a forever home and relax with a choice of hot or cold food and drinks at the various catering stalls.

Martina added: “Whether you’re a dog owner or not, our summer show has something for everyone. This year our team is excited to welcome both old and new visitors to our brand new facility and what we hope will be our best summer show to date.

“Thank you to everyone who generously donated to the building project and to Williams Homes for not only building our brand new eco-friendly centre but for also creating the temporary accommodation to keep us open during the development works.”

ENDS

Members of the media are welcome to attend on the day. Please confirm your attendance with Kerri Saxby on kerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk or 01522 528 540.

Notes to editors:

• Jerry Green Dog Rescue, Warsop Land, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, NG21 0PG
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue was founded in 1961 in Broughton, Lincolnshire and is now one of the UK’s largest dog rescue charities.
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue has a caring ethos which puts the dogs in its care at the centre of everything it does. It also operates a policy whereby prospective adopters are introduced to dogs in a neutral environment away from the kennel, resulting in less stress for the dog and increasing the chances of permanent homes being found.
• The adoption process at Jerry Green Dog Rescue involves a number of introductory visits and the rehoming team provide pre and post adoption support to ensure the move to the dog’s new home is as smooth as possible.
• The charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding. This means it is dependent on the generosity of public and corporate donors/sponsors.

For media information please contact:
Kerri Saxby
Shooting Star
01522 528540
kerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk
@shootingstarpr