Northumberland dog lovers are fighting to save a dog training centre that's become 'a rock' for the community.
For almost six years, Raven River Dog Training Centre has been helping people in Bedlington train their beloved pets. But with the business facing closure next month, its 170 members will be left without a vital training and social space.
Director Rebecca Ashworth, 31, said she would be "deeply saddened" to see the doors close.
Read more: Battle to save brave pup abandoned by first owners after losing a leg
She said: “It’s no one's fault as the market has skyrocketed and we just can’t afford what’s needed to stay where we are. This club is a rock for a lot of our members and one of the only facilities of its kind within the North East.
“I thought the pandemic would be the end for us, but we managed to muddle through and even took on another instructor to cope with demand when we opened back up. I’m hoping someone may read this that has land, a building or a unit, that is willing to work with what we can afford and save a much-loved business.
“When I close the doors for the final time the area and the people that use us lose a much-needed facility”.
With five instructors and over 170 weekly clients, the centre is a much-loved and safe space for the community. And people who use it have been "devastated" by the imminent closure.
One member, Charlotte Blundell, said: "I take my sister's dog Ruffle for classes twice a week. Doing agility has made her more obedient.
"Not only has it helped Ruffle, but my classes have also helped me. Each week they give me something to do on my own since having my little girl.
"I get to focus on myself which has helped me mentally. Having a baby during lockdown was very lonely. In January I upped my classes from once a week to twice.
"This was to keep my fitness levels up but to also prepare for Ruffle and me to start competing. However, once the term comes to an end that will be the end of our journey unless I can find another class close to home or Rebecca manages to secure new premises."
Another member Kelly Thomas, who has been attending for two years with three-year-old Labrador Retriever Molly, added: "The loss of premises for this well-renowned and valued dog agility has been met with great sadness by all of its members, some of whom have been attending the centre for a number of years."
The centre specialises mainly in dog agility, but also runs scent work, puppy, and other activity training classes. Over the years it has hosted guest international trainers, agility champions, and behaviour courses, bringing a much-needed resource to the area.
The club is "desperately" seeking help from anyone that might have something suitable within the South East Northumberland area. Anyone who can help is asked to contact 07508107181 or email info@northumberlanddogtraining.com
