Forever Hounds Trust opens its first shop

On Saturday 6th August,  Forever Hounds Trust proudly opened the doors to its first shop. Situated in South Road, Haywards Heath, the shop was opened by The Mayor, Councillor Sujan Wickremaratchi.  

Also in attendance were several dogs rescued by the charity, including two very special lurchers, Grace and Summer, with their owners Mark Snelling and Gerri Hickman.  Grace came into the care of Forever Hounds Trust after she had been found, exhausted and close to death, abandoned at the side of the road.  Her skin was red raw from mange and it was clear she had recently given birth.  Two of her puppies were later found in a dustbin – just alive and also suffering from mange.  She now leads a happy life with Mark in Hove, even winning ‘Best in Show’ at a local Dog Show, and her puppies were also placed in loving homes.

Summer had a lucky escape after being found abandoned at the side of the M25 in an appalling emaciated condition.  She, too, had recently had puppies, but, sadly, they were never found. Summer has spent a happy three years in her East Preston home with Gerri and her husband.  Like Grace, Summer is also a prize winner, being highly placed in the prestigious ‘Scrufts’ Dog Show

As well as raising funds through the sale of a wide range of goods, including clothes, accessories, vintage items and small pieces of furniture, staff and volunteers will be raising awareness of the charity and seeking homes for the many dogs in its care.  Manager Tania Rodd says ‘I saw joining Forever Hounds Trust as a great opportunity to help out with a brilliant cause at the start of something.  I am very excited to be working with everyone and helping bring Forever Hounds Trust further into the public eye through the retail shop, and also within the community. Make sure you come and visit when you are in Haywards Heath – and, of course, if you would like to volunteer or donate goods for sale, it would be a tremendous help!’