Dorset dogs charity hosts rehoming parade in Ferndown

Staffie Stray and Rescue hosted the event at Bluebird Social Club, showcasing some of the rescue and rehomed dogs looking for foster or forever homes within its care.

A total of nine dogs took part in the parade; Mia, Rocky, Zeus, JD, Roxy, Bandit, Roxy, Duke and Barney were paraded individually in the hall to more than 100 people who had turned out.

Afterwards, the dogs were taken to the field outside, and visitors could meet the dogs and get to know them better.

Welfare operations manager at Staffie and Stray Rescue, Sophie Vye, said the event had been a real success.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” she said.

“The turnout has been really good. We’ve got a lot of people here that are already on our files, so they have already been home checked, they’re approved to adopt.

“So, it’s a good opportunity for those families to come out today, meet all the dogs, maybe fall in love with a dog that they haven’t considered on the website.

“There are so many dogs needing homes, we’ve got queues of dogs waiting to come in behind them. Days like today are so vital that we can get them into their forever homes, and we can move on to help other dogs in need.”

Gabriella was a first-time visitor to the parade and said it was a really well run event.

“I think it’s really great,” she said.

“I didn’t know kennels or rescues did this sort of thing. I think it’s such a good way to meet the dogs and find out more about them, what needs they have and whether you are going to gel with them.”

Amy, a volunteer at the charity, said the parade had been busier than usual.

“It’s been a really good event, it should be quite successful in getting a lot of homes from today,” she said.

“That’s why it’s really important to do rehoming parades, as we generally do really well out of rehoming dogs, it’s a good way of promoting them that little bit more, so people can see them in person.”

Geoff Hobbs added: “It’s great to see so many people here. These dogs do need rehoming and it’s great to see people willing to take them on.”