More than 700 people visited a Cumbrian animal charity’s headquarters to celebrate the opening of their new kennel complex.
Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, Tim Farron, unveiled a plaque and took a tour of the new complex at Eden Animal Rescue Centre at Moorland Head Farm in Newbiggin near Penrith.
At the event, he met the staff, volunteers and animals waiting to find their forever homes.
The bespoke kennel complex provides shelter for 20 dogs, and the former shelter is to be refurbished to create a new reception area and indoor exercise area for the dogs.
Eden Animal Rescue general manager, Sara Bean, said: “It was a wonderful event, and we would like to thank Tim Farron for making the time to open the new kennels officially.
The grand opening of the kennels and fun dog show was a special and memorable event, and we thank everyone who helped make it possible.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity and support we have received, we’re thrilled to say we raised over £2,000 at the event, which is all going directly towards our Kennel Fund.
“We are truly grateful to Kennelbuild, Pets Foundation, Frame and Swift Limited, TopDog Carlisle, our fantastic Maintenance Team and everyone who baked or donated treats.
“We are also very grateful to Oliver Paw Photography for capturing the day for us, and our local Police Dog Section for their support and display.
“The day would not have been possible without all our volunteers, our hardworking staff and dedicated Trustees and of course all the dogs, who we are very grateful to.”
Police Dog handler, Jonathan Chappell, gave a display with Labrador Beck who is trained to search for digital media. He found an iPad, a tracker and a mobile phone. After each find, he was rewarded with his ball and treats.
The kennel block has been part-funded by a £75,000 grant from Pets Foundation, other smaller grants, two generous legacies and donations and fundraising by committed supporters.
Following the opening of the new kennels, the team at Eden Animal Rescue are continuing their fundraising activities to complete the payment for the building and the conversion of the old kennel block.
Work started on the new kennels in late 2023 and was completed at the end of 2024 with the dogs moving in o their new and greatly more comfortable accommodation in March.
There are still opportunities to sponsor an individual kennel and have your family or business name displayed for visitors to see the support you have given to this project.
More information about the new kennel block and ways to donate are available on the Eden Animal Rescue website at www.edenanimalrescue.org.uk
