ITV Westcountry presenter Alex Lovell cut the ribbon to officially open the new Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) showroom this morning.
Eager visitors waited to meet Alex, herself an animal lover, with many bringing their dogs to the event, including Laura Miles who brought River, her American Bulldog which she adopted from CDCH in Cam.
“The work they do is incredible,” said Alex. “This morning I met River who was rehomed a few years ago and is thriving, happy.”
Business was brisk: “There have been so many people through the doors this morning – I met the chap who replenishes the store and he said, ‘I think I’m gonna have to do another replenish today’, which is great,” added Alex.
Store manager Alisha Tipton has first hand experience of the CDCH’s work with animals: “I used to work as an animal care assistant at the centre in Cambridge [near Dursley], where I cared for the vulnerable animals that were brought in.
“You see the state they come into the centre and the difference we can make as a charity, and then finding them forever homes. It’s life-changing for them, and the money raised here helps that work carry on.
“It’s great to be up and running – it’s a good environment and I hope it becomes a community hub so people can come in and donate to the charity.”
Cllr Lucas Schoemaker, Green district and town councillor for Trinity ward, where the shop is situated, attended the opening, along with fellow Trinity town councillor Sue Fenton. Lucas said he was pleased to see the premises occupied again, especially by such a good cause.
“It’s always a shame to see commercial premises empty and this particular site had been looking rather tired since the car business moved out. The Cats & Dogs Home shop opening here will bring welcome new life and vibrancy to this part of town.”
He added: “What’s really nice about the location – just 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre along the canal – is that bargain hunters will be able to do a charity shop walking trail along the canal path, taking in the RSPCA shop, the Longfield shop and the Brimscombe Mill Furniture Bank, maybe stopping at the Long Table for coffee or lunch; I think all of these great causes will benefit.”
The showroom at Bowbridge, the charity’s eighth store, will be open seven days a week, 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sundays.
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