Battersea and Orvis join forces
Image: Keith Payne training a service dog
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and country-lifestyle retailer Orvis are teaming up this weekend to celebrate the inspiring work carried out by service dogs.
The animal charity is inviting shoppers to Orvis' Farnham branch this Saturday to learn about rescue dogs who take up vital roles in the police service, security firms and farming outlets across the UK.
Battersea's service dogs manager Keith Payne will be at the store between 1pm and 4pm, to introduce some of Battersea's dogs to shoppers, highlighting some of their amazing achievements after leaving their Battersea kennels.
"This event will be a brilliant opportunity to show how rescue dogs can be just as good as any other dog trained for the services," he said. "It's my job to pick from the thousands of dogs that come to the Home's three sites each year, and it's just like picking a candidate for a top job.
"I look for smart dogs aged between six months and four years old, who love playing and are confident, outgoing and physically fit. Many of the dogs that go to 'service homes' display behaviour which makes them unstable for a traditionally domestic home, and they need stimulus given by a happy working life."
On average, a service dog costs £1000 to retrain for an active and fulfilling future. American retailer Orvis is supporting Battersea this weekend by matching customers' donations to the Working Dogs Programme.
Speaking of the collaboration, Mr Payne said: "We are thrilled to have received the support from Orvis, which will help us to train many more life-saving Battersea dogs."
Orvis CEO Perk Perkins added: "We donate five per cent of or pre-tax profits annually to preserving wildlife and habitat and promoting canine wellbeing. I'm delighted that, for the first time in our history, we've chosen a UK partner in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
