IT was a 'dog day' afternoon for visitors to a Canine Garden Party in Bleathwood at the end of August.

Sam, a rescue dog from the Forest Dog Rescue Centre at Cleobury Mortimer wanted to say thank you to the charity for looking after him and finding him a permanent home with new owners Martyn Hackeson and Andrew Poole.

It turned out to be a barking good fund- raising event, held in the garden at Mod-el Cottage. Next door neighbours Rory and Bess, who also take in rescue dogs, opened up their large garden as well.

Pulling together, the small hamlet near Burford helped Martyn and Andrew, and their friends, set up stalls, organise doggie games and garden walks and serve up refreshment.

Entrance was by cans of dog food: two for adults and one for children, and the event raised around £500 plus a mound of food to help keep the 20-plus dog centre going for just about one week.

Behind this 'nice little doggy story' lies a sorry tale with a happy ending, about a canine rescue centre working hard to keep going on limited means.

Committee chairwoman, Wendy Watts, said: "At peak times like summer, when people throw out the dog while they go on holiday, and at Christmas when pets as presents become unwanted gifts, more often than not, we have to spill over into Jutta Patterson's kennels at nearby Birch Hill."

It takes £2,000 a month to keep the centre going and, if the warm and friendly life-prolonging environment is forced to close by law, all the dogs must be put down within seven days. But that will never happen if Wendy Watts has her way. Inspired by a feature in the Kidder-minster Shuttle, highlighting a crisis in fundraising, she got together with Mary Braim and between them they carry out inspections, homing and transporting dogs.

She explained: " At first, people were full of ideas but when push came to shove, no one would do anything. Now we have a new committee to ensure life must go on at all costs."

The only canine rescue service in the Ludlow and Tenbury Wells area, strays normally taken to the pound and put down if not claimed after seven days, are now transferred to Forest Rescue, and sponsors are needed to help with day-to-day expenses.

Just £1 a week, the price of a Lottery ticket, can brighten up a dog's day and give them a safe and happy life in comfort."

A bi-monthly newsletter The Howler keeps everyone up to date on progress, plans for the future and fundraising events, and the names of everyone receiving it will be added to draw for a Marks and Spencer voucher.

Good homing is important, but leads are not handed over until homes are inspected for suitability and space. Once dogs are matched they are quietly introduced to owners, like Andrew and Martyn, who came up with the unique idea for the Canine Garden Party.

Andrew said: "We have lots of animal-loving friends, some with rescue dogs, and on their behalf and Sam's, the garden party was to say thank you to Wendy and Jutta for all they do for unwanted dogs and at the same time raise some cash for the centre. It was an enjoyable day in Bleathwood and, with the help of neighbours and friends, we are already planning for next year, hopefully in a nearby field."

Wendy added: "It was a wonderful, positive idea. While high profile charities like the RSPCA and NCDL (National Canine Defence League) attract the gloss money, smaller, local animal rescue centres get left behind. But whatever the cost, abandoned dogs need help to safeguard their future, and at Forest Rescue we never put a dog down."

Forest Dog Rescue is a registered charity covering the area around Ludlow, Tenbury and the Teme Valley and anyone keen to help with homing, work as a volunteer or send a donation can contact Wendy Watts on 01562 636535 (mobile: 07753 128099)