The practice hosted an open afternoon on Sunday 3rd June. It was hugely successful with over a hundred visitors passing through the practice over the 4 hours. The Whitchurch Dog Display team once again put on a superb performance of both obedience and agility and motivated a number of people to enquire about dog training classes in the area. Fortunately we could help as we offer dog training classes at our own Sitting Pretty Dog Training school in the evenings and will soon be starting on Saturday afternoons.

Representatives from Cuan wildlife rescue, Hilbrae dogs home, Cats Protection League, Pets as Therapy, Vets Now after hours service, Feathers and Fins pet shop and the Telford and Wrekin dog warden were all on hand to speak to the public and provide useful information and literature. The Guide Dogs for the Blind also had a stand with relevant literature available.

Mr Kelley with his 2 immaculate Bernese Mountain dogs put on a display of how these working dogs pull carts and invited children up to see just how friendly his dogs are. Rhian - our veterinary nurse -put on a display of dental care and teeth cleaning in dogs and Jackie from Groom Masters demonstrated how a poodle is clipped.

Our pet dog show was a lot of fun and all classes were very ably judged by Ruby Bennett whose own dogs have frequently taken part in Crufts and many other shows around the country.

The multitude of static displays in the surgery all provided a lot of educational interest as did the tortoise, rabbit, guinea pigs, chameleon, bearded dragon and ball python that were present.

Teas and refreshments provided by Erica Tozer and a raffle with prizes donated by the practice and some of our suppliers helped to collect £113 for Hilbrae dogs home.

All in all, the day was better than we could have hoped for and seems to be set as an annual event.

My grateful thanks to all who participated and helped in the success of the day.