Temperatures are set to soar again next week, but it won’t just be us pasty Northerners suffering.
This year’s heatwave has seen dogs suffering in the high temperatures, with the RSPCA launching appeals warning dog owners to keep their pets off the hot pavements and reminding them of the dangers of leaving dogs in cars (are people seriously still doing this?).
Thankfully, the big-hearted people at Manchester’s Chill Factore have decided to once again transform part of the indoor snowcentre into a “Doggie Chill Zone”, where dogs will be able to cool off with an afternoon of fun in the snow.
The decision comes following the success of last months Chill Zone session which saw 100 dogs take to the slopes to avoid the heat.
Leona Davidson, whose dog Hugo attended the last Chill Zone, said: “It was the first time our puppy Hugo had ever seen snow and he totally loved it! He’d really been suffering with the heat, so we were thrilled to get the opportunity for him to not only cool down, but also enjoy snow for the first time, which we hope got him prepared for Christmas!”
Organisers say more than 100 dogs will hit the slopes on Monday after advanced bookings for the session opened on July 19 and all places were booked up in less than twelve hours. However, limited walk-in places will be available on the day.
Dog owner and CEO of Chill Factore, Morwenna Angove, said: “We have been inundated with requests for the return of our ‘Chill Zone’ for the dogs of the North West. The number of owners who took the opportunity to get their furry family members out of the heat and into a safe, cool place at our first event was overwhelming. We welcomed up to 100 dogs from as far as Liverpool, who all enjoyed rolling around in the snow. The safety of our pets in the hot weather is obviously a serious issue which we hope our snowy conditions can help with, which is why we have decided to re-open the ‘Chill Zone’ for our furry friends once again!”
The Chill Zone will run from 12pm until 2pm on Monday (July 23) and will be open to well-behaved dogs of all ages and breeds.
The Chill Zone will be free to attend however, organisers will be collecting donations for charity Care For The Paw, who provide support for dogs living on the street with homeless owners.
For more information, visit the Chill Factore website.