Harrogate named as one of the UK’s biggest dog hotspotsKnaresborough pet show to return todayA Knaresborough pet show is set to return this May bank holiday.
Knaresborough Pet Day, which takes place in the grounds of Knaresborough House, is a chance for local owners to show off their four-legged friends for the day.
The event, which was set up more than 30 years ago, will include dog shows, an obedience demonstration and a ‘sausage retrieval’ session.
Organiser Val Rodgers told the Stray Ferret the pet day has since become popular with animal charities.
She said the dog shows will be judged by representatives of Dogs Trust, while the Blue Cross, Tia Greyhound Rescue, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Harrogate Cat Rescue will all have stalls to raise money for their organisations.
Ms Rodgers added there will be refreshments on offer in Knaresborough House, which will be provided by Miss Mollies Dog Rescue. She said:
“I am hoping that the weather is kind, everything goes smoothly, and the charities make money for their individual organisations.”
The pet show will be broken down into different categories, including best rescue, prettiest bitch, most handsome dog and dog fancy dress.
There will also be food stalls and a tombola.
The event is free to attend and will open at 10.30am. Dog show entries cost £1 per class.
Knaresborough Pet Day will take place today (May 6).
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Stray Pets Rescue Club: Hovis, Bertie and Gary need your help
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, three gorgeous boys are hoping to meet someone to call their own.
Hovis
Age: 1
Hovis’ story: Hovis is currently living at Miss Mollie’s Rescue, having arrived from Romania. When he arrived he was a very scared boy, and had probably been treated very cruelly by the Romanian dog catchers.
Temperament: He is very worried by new people, but after some patience and kind attention he is lovely. He enjoys running around a field, and having lots of cuddles once he’s got to know you. Food is a very big part of his life, so treats are the way to his heart – and his trust.
Ideal home: Hovis will need an experienced adult home, and he will need to be placed with someone who will be at home most of the time to help build his confidence.
If you could help Hovis feel safe in a loving home, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Bertie
Age: 2
Bertie’s story: Bertie was handed over to the Dogs Trust when he was one year old, as his owners couldn’t cope with his behaviour. He was already worried by unfamiliar people and places, but due to the covid lockdowns he has had a very sheltered life.
Temperament: If you take the time to slowly get to know Hovis, you’ll see a wonderful boy who will always make you smile. He loves to play with his toys and is very affectionate with his friends. He is full of character and is also very smart. He’s now doing really well but needs adopters who’ll work with Dogs Trust Leeds to transition him to his new life slowly.
Ideal home: Bertie needs an adult only home with no pets and no visiting children. Other dogs are a worry for him and so he must be walked in quieter areas. He requires a quiet and predictable home with owners who are willing to continue with his training.
If you have room in your heart for Hovis, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.
Gary
Age: 5
Gary’s story: Gary came to the RSPCA as a semi-feral cat after his welfare had become compromised and he could no longer stay where he was. Gary was extremely nervous of everyone when he first arrived, but after lots of hard work he’s now ready to be re-homed.
Temperament: Once Gary builds a bond and trusts you, he is the sweetest boy. He loves head rubs and playing with wand toys. Once he’s got to know you, he enjoys being around you and likes to sit and watch – even if you’re not interacting with him.
Ideal home: Gary is still very fearful of people he does not know, and any new adopter will need to give him time to settle into a home environment. He will need a spare room that can be dedicated to him and he can make his own and feel confident in before being introduced to the rest of the house. He needs an adult only home.
If you could help Gary regain his confidence, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch.
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Stray Pets Rescue Club: could these adorable pooches find a home before Christmas?The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Poppy, Jake, Stanley and Doughnut are hoping they’ll have met someone to love them before Christmas.
Poppy
Age: 7 years old
Poppy’s story: Poppy has been living at Miss Mollie’s Rescue for around 5 years. Since being rescued from Romania, she was incredibly nervous, but was comfortable living in a house with the other dogs. She is currently unhappy in boarding kennels, and in desperate need of a foster carer.
Temperament: She is an affectionate dog once she gets to know you, and loves her home comforts, walks, and being around other dogs.
Ideal home: Poppy needs an owner with lots of patience who has experience with nervous dogs. She can live with cats and dogs in an adult home. Fostering Poppy means there is no need for an adoption donation, and Miss Mollie’s can help with any problems that may come up.
If you could help Poppy feel safe in a loving home, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Jake
Age: 7
Jake’s story: Jake has had a very unsettled life to date. He was originally handed over to Dogs Trust in 2015 when he was just one year old, due to his owners’ change of work commitments. He was rehomed in 2015 until 2019 when he was returned again after a change in personal circumstance for his owner.
Temperament: Jake is the sweetest and most loving boy. All his handlers adore him and can often be found in his kennel giving him extra cuddles. He is very happy when he is curled up on the sofa with a human friend.
Ideal home: His unsettled life has led to some anxieties, so Jake has been working on a special training programme which has worked brilliantly to build his confidence with new people. Jake needs an adult-only home with no children or visiting children and no other pets.
If you have room on your sofa for Jake, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.
Stanley & Doughnut

Age: 6 & 10
Stanley & Doughnut’s story: This loveable pair came to the RSPCA when their previous owner was moving and could not take them with her. Stanley (Jack Russell) and Doughnut (Beagle x) are very bonded to each other so will need adopters who will take them together.
Temperament: Both Stanley and Doughnut are such sociable boys who are eager to say hello to everyone who are willing to stop and see them. They love walks and human attention and will sit and get as much fuss and attention as they can possibly get. Stanley and Doughnut both love their food and snuggling up after a snack!
Ideal home: Stanley and Doughnut are suitable to live with other dogs, cats and children aged 6 years and over. They will need adopters who are happy to take them out for nice and interesting walks and adventures, but they can be left alone for short periods.
If Stanley and Doughnut could join your family, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch.
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Stray Pets Rescue Club: Fraizer, Mavis and Foxy need your helpThe Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Mavis the cat and dogs Foxy and Fraizer need your help.
Mavis
Age: 5 years old
Mavis’ story: When Mavis came to Harrogate Cat Rescue, there were suspicions she had been abused, and she was aggressive towards cats and other people.
Temperament: Over time and with plenty of patience, Mavis has learned to trust humans once again. She is now a loving and affectionate cat.
Ideal home: Mavis needs an adult only home, with someone who will give her time to adjust. She will also need access to a safe outdoor space once she’s ready.
If you could help Mavis feel safe in a loving home, contact Celia at Harrogate Cat Rescue on 07749 461042.
Foxy
Age: approx. 5 years old
Foxy’s story: Foxy has lived at Miss Mollie’s Rescue for a number of years as she needs a very specific home – but she is ready to find her new owners.
Temperament: Foxy is very affectionate, and loves having cuddles and lots of attention. Riding in the car and going for nice, quiet walks are her favourite things to do. She can get anxious and protective of her home, and needs reassurance.
Ideal home: Because Foxy prefers women to men, she will ideally live with a woman on her own with no visiting children. Foxy will need a quiet home, and an owner with lot of experience with rescue dogs.
If Foxy could become part of your family, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Frazier
Age: 11 years old
Fraizer’s story: Fraizer came to the RSPCA in a terrible condition; an untreated flea allergy left him with sore skin and the loss of half his fur. he’s now ready to start his new life with a new family.
Temperament: Fraizer is always happy to see and meet new people and is sociable with most other dogs (but can get a bit giddy!). He loves attention and snuggling up for fuss.
Ideal home: Fraizer is desperate to be in a loving home and part of the family. He can live with other dogs (after a successful meeting) and children aged over 10.
If you have a space in hour heart for Fraizer, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch.
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