Built with love: community raises over £2000 to transform rescue dogs’ grooming room

A dog groomer and a local dog walker have raised over £2000 to renovate the grooming room at Appledown Dog Rescue near Dunstable, with an outpouring of support from the local community.

Jordan Tobin, from Premier Paws Behaviour-Led Grooming in Aylesbury, teamed up with Mark from Country Tails to host a charity dog wash on Saturday 24 October.

The pair were inspired to act after seeing the rescue’s grooming room in need of renovation. What began as a fundraising idea has grown into a community effort, with donations and offers of practical help turning their plans into a reality.

Jordan and Mark will both give up their free time to carry out the work, while local electricians and plumbers have kindly offered their skills to support the project.

The total also includes £228 raised by McGrumpy and Snuffles pet shop at Duck Farm Court in Aylesbury. The shop supported the fundraiser during its celebration of KONG’s 50th anniversary, hosting giveaways, competitions and prizes on the day.

The generosity of the local community has been incredible. From those who brought their dogs along for a wash to those who donated, shared the fundraiser or offered a helping hand, every contribution has helped move the project forward.

For a rescue dog, grooming can mean much more than a clean coat. It can relieve discomfort, provide gentle care and create opportunities to build trust. Renovating the room will give the rescue a better space to provide that care while its dogs wait for their forever homes.

Jordan and Mark saw something that needed to change and decided to help. Now, thanks to the people rallying around them, the new grooming room will be built with love, donated time and community support.

The pair will share updates as the renovations progress, so everyone who has supported the fundraiser can see the difference their kindness is making.

The GoFundMe page will remain open for anyone who would still like to donate. Every additional contribution will help support the grooming room’s transformation and the dogs who will benefit from it.

To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/charity-dog-wash-day