We recently featured the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre (DBARC) as part of our Sunday Dog Stories, so we were thrilled to be invited to their annual Fun Day recently. Join us today as we introduce you to some of the faces we met, some of the success stories we heard and why we had such a brilliant time!
ACTIVITIES
There were some great activities on display! One which captivated the audience was the amazing Treibball display by Dog Activity Spot. Never heard of it? Well it is amazing!! Also known as ‘Drive Ball’ it is the new dog sport on the block where dogs herd giant inflatable balls in teams. As you can see below, the dogs loved it!!
Important to listen to the instructions first, but then…
Fun, fun, fun…
After a big run around….
Kisses and cuddles from mum were needed (& well deserved!!)
Once the Treibell display was finished, it was time to take a wander around the event. There were plenty of stalls to look at including Barney’s Biscuit Boxes and the Schnauzerfest Stall which raised over £1,600 for DBARC! There were even some dogs modelling the stock around the event and they looked stunning! The dog tombola also proved to be very popular during the day!
Hmm which ball to choose?!!
Time to dive in!!
Proudly wearing the Schnauzerfest colours ahead of their event in October
Always a favourite of ours, the incredible scurry run was so much fun to watch. There were some seriously speedy contenders! As you can see, many of the dogs absolutely loved it!
SPECIAL GUESTS
DBARC are renowned for their efforts of rescuing and rehoming many former puppy farmed dogs, so their Fun Day was the perfect spot to launch the new book ‘Saving Maya‘ by Author Janetta Harvey and Illustrator Annabel Wilson. Janetta is an avid campaigner against puppy farming since adopting her dog, Susie-Belle, from DBARC several years ago. Sadly Susie-Belle passed away last December but according to Janetta, the sun would always shine wherever she went, so it seemed fitting the sun came out on this very special day. Check out the new book!!
INCREDIBLE STORIES
Whilst walking around and admiring the flurry of dogs and owners, we managed to speak with a number of people about their dogs (something we love doing!) Two we met made a particular impression; namely Buttercup Daisy May and Phoebe, two dogs which had been rescued from a life in a puppy farm. These lovely girls had been bred and bred until they were rescued. So heartbreaking but incredible to see their recovery.
Beautiful Buttercup Daisy May (Daisy May for short!)
Daisy May now has a loving home & as you can see, she loves to be loved
Phoebe was so friendly, despite her previous ordeal…
…she even won the Puppy Farm Survivor Award (an award in memory for Susie-Belle)
The perfect winner!!
GORGEOUS FACES
We couldn’t end this blog post without sharing more of the gorgeous faces we met of previous DBARC residents who now thankfully have a home to call their own. There were so many to choose from but these were just some of our favourites.
Darcy was rescued by DBARC at 7 months of age from Ireland when her owner no longer wanted her & was going to put her down. Look at her now though!
Doyle was also rescued by DBARC (he was born there when his mother was bought in) He was reunited with his mum at the Fun Day!
Gertie is another former DBARC resident. She’s quite a character but her owner loves her!
Little Roxy is currently at DBARC & she needs a home. She’s so lovely!!
A TRULY AMAZING DAY!
It really was! It was clear to see how passionate everyone is about DBARC and all they do for dogs and other animals. Having been fortunate enough to be personally taken around the rescue centre by DBARC Manager Janet while all the Fun Day happiness was taking place, it’s evident DBARC is a perfect haven for those in need. By opening up the Centre to everyone during the Fun Day, it also led to many extra adoptions taking place. The perfect ending to a perfect event!!
A huge thank you to DBARC for a great day and to everyone who spoke to us and let us see their gorgeous dogs. Here’s a few more shots of the day. Enjoy and make sure you follow DBARC’s amazing work via Twitter & Facebook as sure they’d love even more support.
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What an amazing event. both my dogs are rescues from puppy farms… wish pet shops weren’t allowed to sell dogs other than rescues xxx
Oh it really was amazing Kazvina! I agree, if only pet shops didn’t sell dogs (or sites like Gumtree). These poor dogs do suffer so much but so glad charities like DBARC are there to help them. Sounds like your dogs are very lucky to have you xxx
We had a great time, well worth the hour and 45 minute drive we had both ways, Wookie our mini schnauzer was fab as always, it’s great to be a part of Schnauzerfest and raising money for DBARC, I’m already thinking about our Schnauzerfest walk at Studland (Dorset) that we are hosting again in October and I WILL keep badgering Gary for a rescue friend for Wookie xxx
Oh wow that really is a long journey! So glad you had a brilliant time. It really was such a special day. And yes, you should definitely get a rescue friend for Wookie!! Maybe in time for Schnauzerfest?!! We’re going to the one closer to home but hope the Dorset one is a great success xxx
What a fab time you all had and what wonderful work goes on by such dedicated charities and adopters alike. Not knowing anything about puppy farms, I adopted two very traumatised souls – 7yr cocker and 4yr Jack Russell and in the beginning (infact still do!) had many “head in hands, what have I done” moments – but seeing how so many dogs go on to learn to accept love and enjoy their freedom is so inspiring.
I wish we could change the term “puppy farm” dogs to “battery farm” dogs and “battery farm” puppies – I think the message would be better understood by those, like me, who knew nothing of the horrors these dogs have to endure. Food for thought, as they say!
Oh it really was such a special day Sandra! Think your idea about changing the phrase to Battery Farm is fab! I agree, it would really help deliver the message. Well done for adopting two dogs and giving them time, patience and lots of love. They’re obviously very lucky to have you. Thank you very much for taking the time to comment xx