Local Animal Sanctuary Moves Dog Show Online After Storm
Ferne Animal Sanctuary adapts annual fundraiser to keep supporters and pets involved
Emma Green, fundraising manager at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, described the storm that forced the cancellation of this year’s dog show as “absolutely heartbreaking.” She said, “The event was all set up and ready to run… I was even wondering if I needed to get more paddling pools out to keep the dogs cool.”
The storm hit on Sunday morning, and Emma explained, “The very first vehicle that tried to come in… got stuck in the field. There was almost no decision. There was just no way we could go forward with it.” The cancellation was a major blow, as the show is “probably our biggest one… bringing in the funds just before we go into the cold winter months to help us care for the animals.”
Emma said the local community had been supportive, prompting the launch of the online dog and cat show. “We thought it might be a really nice idea to bring it forward and give the people… the opportunity to still be involved,” she said. The competition features categories like “most handsome male,” “best friends,” and “best action shot,” with winners receiving rosettes and a feature in the sanctuary’s upcoming magazine.
Emma encouraged participants, saying, “Everyone loves sharing photos of their pets… it will be an opportunity for other people to see how incredible your animals are, whilst at the same time, raising funds to help us care for unwanted and abandoned animals over the winter months.”
For more details, entries are open on the Ferne Animal Sanctuary website under the supporters section for the Online Dog & Cat Show 2025.