You Couldn’t Miss Us

There was a time when orange was a colour I barely noticed. I didn’t dislike it but didn’t particularly like it either. It was just there, a bright splash, never insipid, but not a colour choice I’d make in most circumstances.

That was before Schnauzerfest orange arrived. Before orange became synonymous with dynamic fundraising by a great many people. With fundraising that’s firmly hitched to real engagement with the issues that matter. With education into the puppy trade and the harm it inflicts on dogs, year on year. Schnauzerfest orange is a heavenly made match which last weekend was on full show at the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre annual Fun Day.

People came from hundreds of miles to enjoy the day and visit the Schnauzerfest Stall. Many pledged their support for the work done by Schnauzerfest in raising awareness of puppy farming. It is one major reason I began Schnauzerfest, as a vehicle which would bring people to the cause. To inspire them to do their bit to tell others about puppy farming. As well as to raise serious money each year to repair the damage done to dogs like Susie-Belle, in whose memory Schnauzerfest achieves great things.

It was humbling to spend the day chatting to people who had come along to show their support for Schnauzerfest and the rescue we’ve now donated around £150,000 to since 2014. A sum that increases daily. I had a superb day meeting many supporters for the first time, as well as more familiar faces.

From the second the gates opened people flocked to the Schnauzerfest stall. Dotting the field all day were bright sparks of Schnauzerfest orange as people bought our clothing, not hesitating to show it off (with 100% of proceeds being donated to the 2019 Schnauzerfest Fund).

At lunchtime, we had a lively celebration of 14 year old Aimee’s birthday, her Penny’s 1st Adoptaversary and all things Schnauzerfest. Her mum had arranged a fantastic cake for everybody to share which brought sweet joy and sticky fingers to many an afternoon visitor to the stall! The cake was Schnauzerfest orange all the way through!

People and dogs had fun with our popular selfie-frame, showing their support. Friends of Schnauzerfest, Mike, Anne, Annabel and Dean spent chunks of the day taking brilliant photos.

All in all, the day was inspiring, exhausting, exhilirating and flipping excellent! It showed me clearly what a real movement Schnauzerfest has grown into. Each year it continues to evolve as people bring their energy, commitment and desire to make good things happen for schnauzers in need. And we have a lot of fun doing so!