Over £1,000 was raised for charity when award-winning Scampers Natural Pet Store in Cambridgeshire held a French Bulldog Awareness Day on Sunday.

An impressive collection of 60 French Bulldogs and Frenchie crosses were in attendance with their owners travelling many miles to be at the event.

“I’ve never known so many people to visit Scampers at one time,” said managing director Piers Smart. “At one point there were 150 vehicles in the car park.

“It was the best day I’ve had at work in 32 years. Everyone has been marvelous, and we’ve raised an amazing amount of money for Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue.”

Piers, who owns a French Bulldog called Rooster and a French cross named Sardine, knows only too well of the problems facing the breed.

“Unfortunately, many people see them as fashion items, and once they get fed up with them the poor dogs end up in rescue centres,” said Piers.

“At Scampers, our role is to raise awareness of the wonderful organisations like Phoenix and to help them build relationships with companies within the trade.

“That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to run the Open Day and it has been a remarkable success.

“I’d like to thank the companies that supported the event and helped us to raise so much money for the charity.”

Teresa Cargill, of Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue, was full of praise for the efforts of Scampers. She said: "Piers and Michelle have always been incredibly supportive of our work, and keen to promote us.

"There are quite a few problems we are facing, many of which stem from unscrupulous breeders. The result is the constant headache of dogs finding themselves in rescue.

"The French Bulldog has become the most popular breed in the country, which is a problem in itself because those unscrupulous breeders will see it as an opportunity to breed more puppies.

"My organisation helps to find foster homes for French Bulldogs in rescue centres, and donations from the Awareness Day at Scampers help tremendously. But probably more important is the fact that these kind of events help to educate the public about the breed."

Pet companies that helped make the day such a success included Woof&Brew, Natures Menu and Gentle Dog Food.



Piers Smart presents a cheque for £500 to Teresa Cargill from the Phoenix French Bullddog Rescue, who also raised another £500 on the day.