Take a look at our news stories to find our what’s going on with Waggy Tails.
Hi, I’m Greg and in April I will be running the London Marathon for the first time, my first ever marathon in fact. I have been to watch and support at the marathon for a few years and got hooked on the atmosphere around London on the day. After applying year after year, I finally was one of the lucky ones to get a space. I had a mixed feeling of excitement and the Mara-noia setting in.
I have a pretty active lifestyle already working as a greenkeeper at Parkstone and enjoying all things outdoorsy, but I would definitely not consider myself a marathon runner. I started upping my training for the marathon just before Christmas so I am now starting to hit the longer distances. So if I’m not using my free time for running now, it’s spent on researching how to stop my legs from hurting.
I am originally from Cambridgeshire and moved to Dorset in September 2024 and have fallen in love with the south coast and all it has to offer.
I have always said if I’m lucky enough to get a spot at the marathon I would definitely use the opportunity to fundraise for a great charity preferably a small local charity. While doing my research it didn’t take me long to find Waggy Tails Rescue Centre. Having a dog of my own, I understand how much goodness a furry friend can bring into your life and at Waggy Tails they understand that too.
I would love to rescue a dog myself but unfortunately I am not in the position to right now so I thought the next best thing I can do for Waggy Tails and the dogs they re-home is to try and raise a little bit of money for them and get their name out there even more. After speaking to the team they invited me down to see how they and their amazing volunteers care for the dogs as well as getting so say hello to some of the dogs (best day ever). After visiting I knew I had made the right decision to try and help them and had given me the motivation I needed. I hope I can do all the team and amazing doggies proud.’
https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/dorset/little-lions-farm-1167943.html
In August 2022 we purchased a property at Ashley Heath with the hope of moving our small Sanctuary on Magna Road, Wimborne, into a bigger permanent home. The land would have given us sufficient space to exercise our dogs and possibly take in other animals such as horses, donkeys, goats and hens.
After an initial pre application in March 2023, a revised Planning Application was submitted to Dorset Council in October 2023 which included all the advice given to us by the planning officer. It has taken over twelve months of jumping through various hoops, searches and surveys which in total have cost over £31000, for the application to be refused today.
We are not in a position to justifiably spend any more of the Charity’s money on an Appeal. As a result we are left juggling two properties with our only option left to be the sale of the Ashley Heath Site. In the current market this will put considerable strain on the Charity’s resources, whilst we find a purchaser.
This year to the end of September, we have taken about 600 requests to take in unwanted dogs and since the beginning of October have had a further 20 requests. Like most rescues nationwide we are full and the requests are coming from further afield as a consequence. The need is there but we are at a loss now, as to how to help.…read more
We were lucky enough to win the August draw from Petplan and received £1000.
Spencer came along to present the cheque and to meet our lovely collie pups, Amber, Ivy, Doug and Patch.
Amber found the corner of the cheque quite tasty and managed to leave teeth marks all over it!
Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the dog show. It was well attended and our Judges did not have an easy time making their choices. We met lots of new dogs and some old friends. We raised £272.