Hercules Van-Wolfwinkle of Rubbish Pet Portraits stars at open day as NAWT joins forces with StreetVet to help pet owners in need
NAWT Berkshire, known locally by many as Trindledown Farm at Great Shefford, will be teaming up with StreetVet to host a day of educational, inspiring, entertaining and practical support for pet owners and animal lovers alike on Sunday (July 27).
The National Human Animal Bond Awareness Day (NHABAD), was founded by StreetVet in 2023 and is aimed at increasing awareness of the many charities, organisations and individuals who promote the relationship between humans and animals, and all the benefits animals bring us through therapy, work and companionship.
It will feature a series of talks from animal health experts and inspirational individuals highlighting the importance of the human-animal bond.
Additionally, various services will be available for pet owners.
The event will feature a range of services for pet owners facing financial difficulties. These include dog nail trimming, canine physiotherapy sessions, microchip checks, and microchip implantation.
Additionally, a pet food bank will be available to distribute pet food to those in need.
The day, from 10am to 4pm, will include a variety of stalls, interactive activities and a fun dog show.
Speakers joining the two charities on the day will include Sarah Jones, founder of My Anxious Dog and the #dogsinyellow day; Tess Eagle Swan, author of ‘Incredible Kratu’; Mary Wakeham, founder and CEO of Refuge4Pets; and Dave Tipping, operations manager for Service Dogs UK.
A highlight will also be a discussion with Hercules Van-Wolfwinkle of Rubbish Pet Portraits, who will be bringing a creative splash of fun to the day, as well as explaining his drive to raise funds for two charities close to his heart.
While he will not be available to draw portraits, he is more than happy to sign copies of his book for anyone who brings one along.
Tammie O’Leary, co-founder of NHABAD and StreetVet volunteer, said: “Many of us have, or have had, relationships with animals that are unique.
“The support animals provide us is truly powerful, emotionally, mentally and physically.
“This event is a fun opportunity to educate, interact and inspire people to understand more about charities and the role they each play in their communities.”
Molly Hall, fundraising officer of NAWT Berkshire, said: “It is an honour to be the chosen rescue to host this year’s NHABAD event. Recognition of the human-animal bond is at the heart of the work we do.
“We’re so excited to collaborate with StreetVet to bring our community together for a day dedicated to celebrating the power of pets.
“The animals we care for every day not only have their lives changed by us, but they also continuously change ours in so many ways.
“It’s a real privilege to do this work, knowing that we’ll carry those paw prints on our hearts forever.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to share our appreciation of those animals, as well as reach out a helping hand to the pet owners in our community.”