The event proved enormously successful with over 5000 people
attending over both days.
The whole weekend was sponsored by pet food manufacturer Iams
- a keen supporter of active, healthy dogs - who not only
donated the prizes for the dog show, but also gave out free
gifts and information to the public.
One of the main events on the Saturday was the presentation
of the Desmond Wilcox Volunteer of the Year Award by television
personality Esther Rantzen. There were two winners of this
coveted award – puppy socialisers Marjorie Pilkington
and Sylvia Hall. These two ladies have between them clocked
up over 20 years of puppy socialising, with in excess of 70
puppies and dogs passing through their experienced hands.
Esther also judged the Prettiest Bitch dog class in the exemption
dog show.
Thrilled
On
the Sunday, the motorcycle display team the Flying Gunners
thrilled the audience by "flying" over two Hearing
Dog vans and a car! Pam St Clement from EastEnders, joined
the fun and signed hundreds of autographs before judging the
Best Rescue dog class.
As well as being a chance for everyone to look round the brand
new training centre and meet the staff and dogs, the whole
weekend was one of the Charity’s major fundraising activities
for the year. It is hoped that the appearances by Esther Rantzen
and Pam St Clement and the huge turnout over both days will
have helped to raise in excess of £20,000.
This money will enable the Charity to train more rescue dogs
to help change the lives of deaf people around the UK.
Justine Davey, Iams brand manager said, "We were delighted
to support the weekend and help both recipients and dogs celebrate
their 20th Anniversary. Iams understands how people feel about
their dogs and cats, and we want to help them to enjoy a longer,
healthier and happier life together. We support charities
that are working towards achieving this."
For more information about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People contact
The Grange, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Bucks HP27 9NS
Tel 01844 348100 (voice and minicom)
Fax 01844 348101
Email info@hearing-dogs.co.uk
Visit Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s Web site at www.hearing-dogs.co.uk
