I was recently asked to contribute to an article for TG Magazine, where I shared some of the highlights of the 2018 Style to Rescue Dog Grooming Competition and I wanted to share these with you!
In a recent issue of the TG magazine, Heidi Anderton looked back at some of the most innovative products, services, and events in 2018. To my delight, she mentioned Vita Canis Style to Rescue, but not only that, we were mentioned as one of the highlights of 2018.
For all of us who organised this event, it was definitely the highlight. And as you can see in some of the comments, below, that were left for us from the rescue centres, it was the same for them and their dogs as well!
And not forgetting, Style to Rescue was also nominated for event of the year in the industry achievement awards. We are so proud of this nomination.
Looking ahead, as you know, we are already preparing for the 2019 event which will be even better and hopefully will raise even more much-needed money for the rescue centres. The date for your diary is 28th April 2019 … save it!
We will have fantastic speakers and demonstrations on the day such as; Julie Harris who will be talking about skin and hair; Adam Dunn, the dog behaviourist, will share his tips and advice on dog training, Denise Westbrook will host a demo with one of her lovely poodles and Alison Rogers with one of her bichons.
Here are few words from the rescue centres that took a part in Style to Rescue 2018:
The Style to Rescue grooming competition was an absolutely amazing experience. I am not a groomer but a supporter and fundraiser of Many 
Tears who was asked if I could go along with a stall and dog for grooming. I have to admit that as I am not a groomer that I had never heard of Vita Canis and had no idea what to expect from a grooming competition. It was fantastic and the Vita Canis staff, judges and groomers were so friendly, made us feel so welcome and took amazing care of our dogs. Many Tears is a rescue which mainly takes in ex-breeders and unsold puppies. We really appreciate being asked to attend Style to Rescue and are busier than ever, with so many dogs needing our help. It is only through support like this that we are able to continue as we take in many dogs with serious medical problems that need addressing such as spinal problems, heart problems etc, that the vet bills are vast. We are so grateful for donations and financial support as well as positivity and raising awareness of what we do, which are invaluable and we need them more than ever. Vita Canis Style to Rescue provided this, funds to help with operations and the opportunity to raise awareness of the Many Tears and the dogs looking for homes.
~ Liz Middleton, Many Tears
I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that was involved in this event, as a rescue, any help that we can get with the dogs is always appreciated and most welcome.
Alexa is now with her new family, she looked so lovely after she had been to the grooming competition, and how could they not resist her! Oh and she smelled gorgeous too!
Goofy was also lucky enough to be included in the grooming event, when he first came to me he was unrecognisable, he was very matted and dirty, but just look at his transformation, and now he is happy with his new mum and his pals.
Brian is such a special little dog that has had such a terrible life before coming to me, he looked fantastic after his ma
keover and is now with a fantastic family.
~ Hessa Riddett, Hessa’s Homeless Hounds
When Rhia-Louise and I were asked to supply dogs for the Style to Rescue competition we were nervous and excited all at once. We were excited because people would see my amazing dogs with their disabilities. But we asked ourselves: How will our dogs react? They all have been hurt in some way by humans from all over the world. And now they would be handled by strangers… Then I have to choose dogs that needed a haircut. So off we went with 5 dogs out of my 25: Thomas Cook, Macey Gray, Patrick Swayze, Sammy Davis Jr, Mildred Rooper and of course Sir Elton John. The day was so well organised and we had the best time in years. My dogs were treated like royalty. Everyone was so gentle to them. Patrick Swayze was the hardest to trim as he has a kind of Parkinson disease and he shakes a lot. All the groomers were lovely and kind, and happy to work with disabled dogs, even if they were in wheels like Sir Elton John. My dogs came away looking the best they have ever looked and feeling on top of the world. We were given sooo many presents for the dogs, you couldn’t see out of our Fiat 500. A couple of days later I received a phone call from Jitka that the cheque for just under £1500 was coming for what they had raised on the day. The money was used straight away for two big operation on two disabled dogs’ leg operations. I can’t thank enough for a fabulous day and we can’t wait for next year, when 9 of my rescue dogs will be coming for a time of their lives.
~ Claire – Louise Nixon, Wheels to Paws UK
Note: We still have space for even more stands and we never say no to any sponsors! If you would like to donate something for our online auction on our Facebook Group, Vita Canis Style to Rescue, please don’t hesitate to contact me on vitacanis@hotmail.co.uk.
Jitka xx