A dog trainer is gearing up to pedal 300 miles on a tour of animal shelters, hoping to inspire others to adopt a pet.
Dominic Hodgson, 41, is setting off on his Tour De Rescue tomorrow to highlight the work volunteers do.
The former salesman quit his job eight years ago to work with animals after volunteering at a shelter.
He said: “We hear a lot about the large welfare organisations but many are just a one or two person operation. They have little resources but give so much of their lives picking up the pieces when dogs are abandoned or mistreated. They’re unsung heroes.
“These small rescue centres rely entirely on donations and volunteers and I wanted to do something to make people think about supporting them.”
Dominic, who has three rescue dogs of his own, is hosting events over the next four days in Morpeth, Teesside, Derbyshire and North Wales and will be cycling to each place. Visitors can get advice from respected dog trainers on how to settle in their rescue dog and where they can find help if they are struggling.
Dominic, from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, added: “I want to shatter the myths about rescue dogs to show they aren’t unhealthy, damaged or have behavioural problems.
"There are many reasons dogs are handed in but often they are well-behaved, much- loved pets and are given up because of a change in circumstance or because their owner has passed away.
“But no matter what the circumstances, they’re confused, frightened and bewildered
“These shelters give them a second chance at happiness. The focus is to tell people of the joy rescue dogs bring to families and to help them stay together through education. There’s a lot of support available for them.”
To find out more about the Tour De Rescue and to support Dominic, visit facebook.com/tourderescue.
