Matt Allwright paid us a visit
Matt Allwright, presenter of BBC Watchdog Rogue Traders and other shows came along to support our book launch on Sunday. I have a catatonic response to most ‘celebrities’ and am no seeker of celebrity attention. I find it all a bit silly. Well, perhaps not hundred percent true, I’d spring over hot coals to meet certain writers like Mary Oliver or Maya Angelou (although I’ve missed any chance of that with the deceased latter). I have a notorious blindspot when it comes to most public figures but, on Sunday I grabbed the chance of a photo (although I could blame Annabel and say she made me!). And yes, Matt’s a TV figure with a love of schnauzers, always guaranteed to get my attention, that’s Ozzy Ozbones his schnauzer with him. Not that I have a schnauzer obsession you understand. 
Writers often have little interest in the noisy fanfare our celebrity obsessed culture attracts, we tend to be naturally introverted, and I prefer quieter ways of influencing and working. But with Matt Allwright, he got past my reserve because he’s a committed active supporter of efforts to end the suffering of dogs in the puppy trade. He does real things that make a difference. He’s also a keen Schnauzerfest supporter and he and his family have enjoyed our walks in the past. It was great to welcome them to the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre Fun Day and for him to be able to see the great work they do.
I was pleased to have a good chat with Matt and hear plans for future programmes on the subject of puppy farming. If you missed the 2015 Watchdog programme, you can see it here.
Matt also took time to speak with the campaigners on the stall next door. They’ve been protesting for months outside Linton’s Petshop, which is local to DBARC. In April they were in the High Court fighting an injunction against their protests. It was good to have a chat with them towards the end of the day, they’d had a lot of interest on the stall and local awareness is high.
As with everyone who came along to support not only the book launch, but most immportantly DBARC’s show, Matt Allwright and his family made a real impact on Sunday. Everyone there helped to make the day a huge success in all ways. On a personal note, I can’t wait to hear what his lovely daughter makes of Saving Maya when she’s read it. I’m sure she’s already well versed in the miseries of dogs in puppy farms, considering her dad’s work.
