National Animal Welfare Trust open day, in Watford, encourages people to adopt abandoned pets (From Watford Observer)

National Animal Welfare Trust open day, in Watford, encourages people to adopt abandoned pets

8:01pm Sunday 5th September 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

“Give a dog a home” was the message at a Watford kennel's open day this afternoon as families and their four-legged friends visited in their hundreds.

The Watford branch of the National Animal Welfare Trust, on the A41, opened its doors to the public and also hosted a fun dog show during the day.

Among the hotly-contested titles were Most Handsome Dog, Waggiest Tail, and Best Rescue Dog.

Centre manager Jackie Defriez said the aim was to raise awareness about the number of dogs abandoned by their owners each year.

“We want people to come to places like this before anywhere else to find a pet. So many dogs come through here and we will look everywhere to find them a new home. "These events also raise vital money for us as we are a charity and rely on volunteers and donations to keep going.”

Staff and volunteers at the centre look after unwanted cats, dogs and rabbits while trying to find them new homes.

There can be up to 300 animals at the centre at one time and rescue dog owner Tina Long said the open day is a great way for people to see the good work the centre does.

“We got our dog from here about seven years ago and wanted to bring her back to visit. It is great for the centre to raise some money and hopefully people will see how great rescue dogs can be.”

For more information, visit the National Animal Welfare Trust website at www.nawt.org.uk