Founder of the Stray Dog Sanctuary in Dorset has died

Tributes have flooded in for the animal champion Judy Townsend who sadly passed away on September 19th, 2020, leaving behind her beloved daughter Sam.

Judy dedicated much of her life to saving the lives of dogs and passionite about the plight of stray and neglected animals, she founded The Stray Dog Sanctuary in 1998.

Judy created a lasting legacy.

Not only did Judy make it her mission to find loving homes for dogs through her kennels and foster carers and adoptions but she also opened the Stray Dog Sanctuary charity shop in St John’s Hill in Wareham to raise money for her cause.

Judy was born in in Isleworth, London on April 7th, 1948 to parents Rex Baker and Margaret Edgington Griffiths.

From the age of three, Judy attended Port Regis School in Broadstairs, Kent which was run by nuns.

Sam said: “Judy had an idealisation over the colour blue, which was due to being so young when she went to school and taught by the nuns.”

Judy went on to Wycombe Abbey in High Wycombe as a boarder.

Judy Townsend 

Sam explained: “Quite often Judy would have to stay there at weekends and some holidays as her mum was ill in hospital.

“Judy’s mum was advised not to have children, hence mum being an only child.”

After school Judy obtained an office job in the city and she also sang in a number of clubs in London.

“Mum would often hop on a tube straight after work to get to her evening job on time.”

Judy married Clifford Townsend on January 14th, 1971 and had two children, Sam and Simon.

Judy moved to Dorset and her passions swiftly changed from singing and music to dogs.

Judy’s dear son Simon struggled at school and his respite was volunteering at the RSPCA in Ashley Heath.

It was here Judy and her son found a common interest, volunteering at the rescue centre of which they were both passionate. Sam said: “Mum and Simon had found something together to enjoy. However in the middle of Simon’s GCSE’s Simon sadly died.

“This in turn strengthened Judy’s love of looking after dogs. So a few years later, Judy and three other RSPCA volunteers broke away from the centre and set up The Stray Dog Sanctuary.”

Read more here: Dogs need homes following pandemic

Good friend Peter Crawley said: “I first met Judy in early 2000 when I was seeking help to rehome a stray ex-racing greyhound from Portsmouth which was found in the Forest.

“I was given her number so I phoned. I then turned up at the centre and eventually met this diminutive ball of energy who was named Judy, who safely rehomed the unfortunate greyhound soon afterwards.

Following the rehoming of the greyhound, a lasting friendship between Peter and Judy was formed.

Peter said: “A lasting friendship bloomed and memories abound.

“I recall her pleasure when she was able to obtain the use of quarantine kennels near Salisbury, which were in desperate need of hard work.”

Peter went on to say how Judy always rose to a challenge and rose above any setback, always finding solutions to problems with the dogs best interest firmly in her heart.

Peter added: “Rehoming always involved matching the dog with the new owner to ensure a solid partnership.”

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Trustee and close friend Diana Fairhurst said: “I like to remember Judy as I first met her, with pink streaks in her hair and a no nonsense attitude to everything. “She was amazing at remembering people. Judy could always remember everyone who had ever asked for a particular thing to be put by.

“Judy remembered someone who had donated a coat. A diamond ring was found some time later in the pocket, and Judy remembered who had donated the coat and so was able to give it back!

“Of course for Judy though, it was the dogs who came first and they were her reason to work so hard.

“You could ask Judy any question about the health or behaviour of a dog and she would have come across it and have an instance of what had worked in the past.”

Diana added: “I shall miss her dreadfully and the fun I had making her laugh, which was usually because I’d done something idiotic.”

A statement from Poole Stray Dog Sanctuary reads: “We all miss her (Judy Townsend) dreadfully.

“We hope to continue with the work of the charity. Please contact us if you can help in any way.”

The funeral of Judy Townsend will be held Harbour View Crematorium and Woodland Burial Ground Dorset on November 16th, 2020 at 3.30pm.

Family flowers only.

If anyone would like to donate to The Stray Dog Sanctuary please get in touch with Tappers Funeral Service.

A: 173 Lower Blandford Rd, Broadstone BH18 8DH

T: 01202 694449 If you have lost someone you loved and would like us to write a heartfelt obituary for your family please email karen.bate@bournemouth echo.co.uk or fill in your details here