We are encouraging people to “Go The Extra Mile” for Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society (PADS).

The initiative aims to raise much-needed funds for PADS, the dog rescue charity based at Forteviot, which provides care and shelter for unwanted dogs and aims to find them loving new homes.

The idea was developed by Strathearn Cider Company, based near Methven, whose Scruffy Dog Cider brand was inspired by its owners’ love of dogs.  It is also being supported by Dog Friendly Perthshire, which runs Missing Pets, Perth & Kinross. 

From this weekend (June 6th) people will be encouraged to walk their dogs for an extra mile, or other length suited to the dog and owner’s level of fitness, during the month of June and on completion, where possible, to make a donation to PADS viawww.justgiving.com.

 “Our Scruffy Dog Cider brand was inspired by our family dog, Ozzy, whose picture appears on all our labels, and more than ever in these very challenging times, we are keen to support the great work that PADS does,” said George Blues, owner of Strathearn Cider Company.

“As a separate part of the initiative, we will be encouraging people to share pictures of themselves and/or their dogs via social media after they have completed their mile and each day of the campaign those who send us a picture will be entered in to a draw to win a case of cider. So we will be giving away 30 cases of cider June in support of the campaign!” 

A fundraising target of £1609 - as there are 1609 metres in a mile - has been set for the inititaive, which will run from 5th June to 5th July.

Joanna High of PADS, which provides accommodation and food for up to 30 dogs, urged Perthshire dog lovers to get behind the campaign. 

“Like many charities we have been hit hard by the impact of COVID-19 restrictions which have meant that most of the fundraising events which our supporters had planned for this summer, are now no longer going ahead.

“So we were delighted when Strathearn Cider Company suggested the ‘Go The Extra Mile’ campaign which could make a big difference to our income for the summer.”

Katie McCandless Thomas, who runs Dog Friendly Perthshire, said she was delighted to support the “Go The Extra Mile” campaign to raise funds forPADS.

“PADS do fantastic work for dogs in Perthshire and this is a superb opportunity to encourage people and their dogs to keep healthy and take some exercise, as well as supporting a great local charity,” said Katie.

“Many thanks to Strathean Cider Company for coming up with the idea – Baxter and I will be among the first to get out there and complete our mile!”

Katie’s Missing Pets service has seen 100s of missing pets successfully reunited with their owners. 

To take part in the “Go The Extra Mile for PADS” campaign, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising-edit/sruffydogcider 

For further information call George Blues, Strathearn Cider Company, on 07760 275632 or email george@strathearncider.co.uk