Darlington's 20th Anniversary

DOGS TRUST DARLINGTON TURNS 20! 

This Summer Dogs Trust Darlington celebrated its 20^th anniversary. The Rehoming Centre first opened in May 1994, and since that time has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over 18,000 dogs. A big thank you to all those who have rehomed a dog and who have helped in any capacity with the centre’s work.

Today, the rehoming centre cares for around 120 dogs at any one time, including its Sponsor Dogs, Copper and Apples.

Here's sponsor dog Copper enjoying the celebrations eating his doggy cake!

Sue Embleton, Dogs Trust Darlington Centre Manager, says:

“Since Dogs Trust Darlington opened 20 years ago we’ve had over 18,000 dogs pass through our doors. Our dogs go on to become much loved, waggy-tailed household pets and some have even gone on to become police sniffer dogs or assistance dogs.

“The support we’ve received from the local community - from volunteers at the centre to those rehoming dogs - over the last 20 years has been indispensable to our work and incredibly heart-warming. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved with the centre over the years. We are very much looking forward to being a part of the community for many more years to come!”

Please contact the Darlington Rehoming Centre on 01325 333114 or visit us at Hill House Farm, Sadberge, Co. Durham, DL2 1SL during our opening hours of 12-4pm everyday (except Tuesday closed).

 There were lots of cakes donated for the occasion including one for the dogs!

Fun Facts

·         Dogs Trust Darlington has rehomed over 18,000 dogs since opening 20 years ago

·         Dogs Trust Darlington is one of 18 rehoming centres that Dogs Trust has in the UK

·         The average age of the dogs at the centre is 4 years

·         The centre has over 100 local volunteer dog walkers and fundraisers

·         Our oldest resident is Cracker who turns 14 years old this year

·         Each week we use over 210kg of complete dry food to feed the dogs in our care two meals a day - This equates to over 10,950kg per year and 220 tonnes over our 20 years, which is equivalent to 120 cars or 31 double decker buses!

·         On an average day at the centre we have 10 canine carers working in the kennels, their shift is 8am-5pm every day of the year!

·         Sometimes canine carers can walk 13 miles per day whilst walking their dogs, cleaning kennels and general duties…this is the equivalent to half a marathon each day!

·         Our youngest canine carer (coming up to 20 years old) – Lauren Sutcliffe was born 2 days before the centre was opened in 1994.

·         Our oldest canine carer is Phil Nicholson at 76 years old and he has worked here since our early days!