Town fundraiser for man’s best friend
A charity which helps soldiers rescue dogs befriended while serving in Afghanistan is hosting a fundraising evening to spread the word.
Former Royal Marine Pen Farthing set up the Nowzad Dogs Charity after a six month posting in Afghanistan back in 2006.
It all started when he and his team broke up a dog fighting ring while out on patrol in Helmand Province. One followed them back to the compound and hid in a mud hut.
The marines called the dog ‘Nowzad’ after the town they were defending and went on to build a make-shift kennel out of sandbags. By the time their tour ended, the team had five adult dogs and 14 puppies which were rescued.
And after arriving home, Pen soon had many calls for help from serving soldiers all over Afghanistan looking for advice to get the animals they rescued and befriended to safety in the UK.
He explained that the dogs become a comfort and diversion from the dangers of front line duties as well as a symbol of hope and focus for soldiers.
The charity has now rescued over 400 dogs and has just opened the only officially Afghan sanctioned animal shelter and treatment centre in northern Afghanistan to neuter and treat strays.
Children are encouraged to visit to learn about animal welfare and how to stay safe around feral dogs.
The shelter is run by a British manager and has eight Afghan employees including three full-time vets.
Find out more at the Nowzad Evening which will be held at St Nicholas parochial church hall on High Street on Saturday March 9 from 6pm.
The event will celebrate the charity’s work with a presentation and chance to meet rescued dogs including Nowzad.
Places are limited, and all proceeds to charity. Contact Melissa on melissa@nowzad.com or 07583 812091.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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