Cuddly toys are launched to help young people learn more about responsible dog ownership & raise funds for the dogs!

A new breed of canines arrived at Crufts this year, with children’s television presenter Sarah Jane Honeywell joining in the fun by telling all the young people who came to visit the Dogs Trust stand all about them.

Rosie, Flick, Rex, Zippy, Digger and Muffin make up the fun ‘Canine Gang’ that feature in Dogs Trust education materials for schools. They have now been turned into adorable cuddly toys to be sold  in schools to further enforce the message of responsible dog ownership in a fun and interactive way.  Each character has a card attached to it, introducing each Canine Gang member and also some important facts needed to look after a dog, such as the importance of food and water, exercise, wearing a collar and ID tag and ensuring that they are given lots of love and attention.  The fluffy mutts are great for children to collect and all money raised will go towards helping the dogs in our care.

The characters can also be found on the charity’s revamped and revitalised Education website www.learnwithdogs.co.uk.  The site boasts brand new FREE downloadable teaching resources for Drama lessons, plus new resources for Pre school dog lovers, and tons of fun games to play, too.

The gang is also gracing the charity’s IKYP – Information to Keep in Your Pocket.  This clever little gizmo shows each of the dogs and all the things they need to keep them happy and healthy every day.

Dogs Trust Youth Education Manager Hollie Sevenoaks comments:

“We are really pleased with the interest in piloting the Canine Gang at Crufts, they have been very successful.

The toys are an additional resource to our educational offering, ensuring a fun approach to learning about responsible dog ownership. We really hope children enjoy collecting them and helping us raise money for the dogs in our care.”

Children can collect all six fluffy mutts for just £2 each.  If you would like a box of toy dogs to sell in your primary school, please email educ@dogstrust.org.uk

Dogs Trust cares for over 15,000 dogs every year and has 17 Rehoming Centres throughout the country.

For further information on Dogs Trust Educational Programme, please visit the website www.learnwithdogs.co.uk  or contact Hollie Sevenoaks on 020 7833 7656.

Notes to Editors:
A full press pack on Dogs Trust and photography is available on request.

For further information please contact the Dogs Trust:

Claire Waters-Duke   020 7833 7616
Claire.Watersduke@dogstrust.org.uk
 
Hollie Sevenoaks   020 7833 7656
Hollie.Sevenoaks@dogstrust.org.uk

Or call the Press Office out of hours mobile on 07768 616 280.

Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.