FOLLOWING on from the First Ludlow Dog Day which raised £15500 for charity, organisers have now started to disperse funds to a number of chosen charities.

The first cheque was handed over this week to Forest Dog Rescue for £2500.

The presentation was made outside their shop in Ludlow.

As a result the Rotary have received a letter from Forest Dog rescue as shown:

Thank you Rotary.

All at Forest Dog Rescue, would like to thank you for your most generous donation of £2500.

Our charity has been operating for over 35 years in the Wyre Forest area. It was set up originally as the Tanwood Stray Fund by a local vet who was distressed at having to put down so many young and healthy dogs after the one week care provided by the Council. The charity has expanded over the years, taking in abandoned and unwanted dogs from the Wyre Forest area and beyond. At Green Gap, our kennels in Far Forest near Bewdley, at any one time look after 30 to 40 dogs. We take dogs in from the warden service and if they are not re-claimed after one week these dogs come into our care for re-homing.

We undertake neutering, vaccinating and microchipping costs and make every effort to ensure the welfare of the dogs in our care. Careful home checks are carried out to ensure the best possible chance of a permanent new home.

Veterinary charges and the upkeep of the kennels add up to outgoings of over £20,000 per month, a formidable challenge for a small charity that relies on the fund-raising efforts of volunteers and the support of local individual sponsors.

Our two charity shops, in Kidderminster and Ludlow are a vital source of income. In our struggle to make ends meet, donations such as yours are so appreciated. Every year, we offer a second chance to over 200 dogs. There are so many happy endings , so many enriched lives. Your money goes directly to this end.

Mary Braim, vice chairman and trustee.