The biggest dog show in the UK was back this year after having a break due to Covid in 2021 and Border Terrier Welfare were invited to attend on Friday 11 March 2022 - Terrier and Hound Day, which we like to think of as (Border) Terrier Day! Our team had a stand in the Breed Rescue area of The Kennel Club stand, kindly sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance.
Otto on the Border Terrier Welfare Stand
BTW stands out!
After an early start for some travelling up to the Show, our BTW stand was ready to go with our morning team of Border Terriers Otto & Bess as 'official greeters', along with our volunteers Eleanor, Natalie & Kay answering questions on breed health, owning a BT & more, including our work as the Breed Rescue & Welfare charity for the UK.
We had lapel Supporter Stickers to give out, as well a postcards celebrating our 40th year featuring a picture of the lovely Jack Spratticus who was a BTW rescue himself and the Crufts Friends for Life Winner in 2018 (now known as the Hero Dog Award in 2022). We also had pictures of him and others in our bunting around the stand.
Eleanor & Otto ready to see people
BTPosse cheque from amazing Calendar fundraising
At 2pm a number of supporters headed to the Feelwells stand to see Managing Director, Helen Mayne, present a cheque on behalf of the BTPosse to our Trustee & Rep, Joyce Rhodes for a whopping £4,100! This is the annual sales from the BTPosse calendar, which is produced by the Posse Calendar team and distributed by Feelwells free of charge.
BTW Chairman, Tony Wrenn, expresses his sincere thanks to everyone for their efforts, "What an amazing total of £4,100, a huge thank you to everyone who sent in their photos, the production team, Feelwells who distribute it with a free bag of treats for the BTs and also all the brilliant members who purchased it!"
This incredible sum will help lots of Border Terriers in need and on behalf of BTW, Tony adds, "Once again we are very grateful to the #BTPosse for their Calendar fundraising, their ongoing support makes a big difference to our being able to help these little brown dogs that we all love so much"
A day of visitors
Along with a busy day seeing the general public and supporters popping in to say hello, we also had some VIP guests, such as the CEOs of both the The Kennel Club and Pro Plan. But our photo of the day has got to be Anita Tabrett from Canine Health & Welfare at The Kennel Club, who couldn't resist coming in for a cuddle with Harry!
Anita Tabrett with Border Terrier Harry
We also had long time BTW supporter, Anne Speake, pop along to the stand, so of course we had to get a group pic with Border Terriers Otto & Bess front and centre! Eleanor & Natalie enjoyed a good BT chat with Anne, catching up on her latest fundraising with Midlands Borderfest.
Anne (L) has a cuddle with Otto & Bess
BTW Stand wraps up
Back at the BTW stand in the afternoon, we had a team changeover, with Harry & Totty on hand dispensing BT cuddles, and our volunteer team with Westcountry Reps Helen Freeman & Trudi Baird with Kay volunteering continued support. All were available to continue talking to visitors drawing on their vast experience with Border Terriers, their health, owner tips and more about the work of BTW.
They also finished handing the doggy bags that Helen had prepared which included fishy treats kindly donated by Fish4Dogs.
Helen with BTs Harry & Totty
Helen Freeman, our BTW Rep who led the volunteer team for the day, reflects, "It was such a lovely day, with many visitors to the stand getting the opportunity to engage with the dogs. I am proud to be part of the breed specific Registered Charity. It was brilliant to talk to all sorts of people about dog ownership and share our love of Border Terriers, but also to help people make sound choices on whether the breed is right for them. I also enjoyed seeing young people coming through with enthusiasm for the breed like young Audrey - definitely our winner of the day we just had to award her one of our BTW Rosettes!"
Audrey with Border Terrier Wilbur
It was a great day out and we thank Helen and all the volunteers who supported the stand to make it happen. We'll leave you with Harry and his pal Totty, enjoying some quiet contemplation the day after their busy day before Totty heads home . . .
Harry 💛 Totty
