We’re still recovering from an extremely hectic four days at Crufts. We had literally hundreds of visitors to the stand - we gave out over 700 free dog walk books (thank you Iams) all stuffed with National Pet Month information. Thanks to everyone who came to see us - have a look at the info and see how to get involved!
We also had a great little competition going which appealed mainly (but not exclusively) to children. Back in March last year I went along to the launch of the Equine Welfare Strategy at Lea Valley Riding School, and the Horse Trust stand had 4 large fur-covered ‘feely boxes’ into which people were thrusting their hands to guess the identity of the hidden objects at the bottom, which related to responsible horse ownership. Perfect, we thought, for dog owners too - and the Horse Trust very kindly agreed to lend us the boxes for Crufts. We hid 4 things which related to our top tips for responsible pet ownership, and invited visitors to relate the object to the tip.

The passing dogs were amused too as they tried to unearth the dog food (provide a balanced diet!) and dried spaghetti (worm your dog!) from inside.

I think everyone thought it was great - except the poor taxi driver we asked to take us back to the car at the end of the show who after a 75min wait in the queue missed a £200 fare to Heathrow as we had to bring the boxes out of the exhibition hall in two batches!! He was not impressed with our £10 ride to the North car park!
We’ve notified the winners, and I hope they’re happy with their prizes - particular thanks to Mikki here who gave us some great grooming kit to give away.
I’ve included a couple of pictures from the stand - I will put some more onto Flikr soon so if we snapped you - keep looking at the site.

On Monday Nicole and Holly from PFMA went on behalf of National Pet Month to congratulate the Whitchurch Rainbow Guide group who were awarded joint first place in the 2007 ‘Teacher’s Pet’ scrapbook competition (alongside Grange Park School in Leybourne, Kent). The trustees were also joined by Claire Bevan of the Whitchurch Cats Protection branch who talked to the children about pet care.

The scrapbook was excellent - so much so that the rules of the competition last year were extended slightly from being just for schools to accommodate the rainbow’s entry - and this year’s NOAH’s Art competition will reflect this by being open to youth groups from the off.

Here’s what Sue Turrill, Rainbow leader, had to say to Nicole:

“I’ve just got home from school and will be back out to Rainbow Guides this evening but I wanted to drop you an e-mail to say a BIG THANK YOU on behalf of the Rainbows and leaders for the wonderful presentation assembly this morning. I know from talking to some of the girls during their lunch break, that they were over-the-moon with their certificates and surprise prizes. There was quite a buzz going around the infant section of the school this morning.

I’ve been asked to leave the scrapbook in the staffroom so that staff can have a look and I will certainly speak to the art co-ordinator about taking part next year - I’ve offered to help co-ordinate it at school and no doubt the Rainbows will want to take part as well!!

Thank you again. It has been one of the highlights of my 18 years with the Rainbow Guides and we look forward to seeing the photographs!!

Thank you again for everything you did.”

Check out the schools section of the website to see how you can enter this year’s competition - get creating as the closing date is 31 March!

If you’ve ever been on our National Pet Month contact list before - you should by now have received your first mailing from us - sorry it was a little late this year, but I got called to do my public duty on Jury Service and Emma, who has replaced Kleo this year and is in charge of the mailings, had a prebooked holiday. Looking at the picture of Kane on Maenporth Beach, Falmouth, I think it was a justified delay!

We’re now catching up with those people who sent in their details - and will then be sending out the packs. There’s some really exciting events registered already - keep them coming!