Desert Rats host virtual dog show to raise funds for memorial
The best pedigree and best novelty dogs from the Desert Rats Association's 2020 dog show at the Cromwell Tank memorial in Mundford. Picture: Desert Rats Association - Credit: Archant
A popular dog show went virtual to raise funds for a memorial dedicated a distinguished army division.
Best in Show at the Desert Rats Association's annual dog show was Krystal, a PTSD therapy dog. Picture: Desert Rats Association - Credit: Archant
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Desert Rats Association took its annual event online as fundraising efforts continued with a view to building a sculpture in the shape of a jerboa rat.
The show attracted 235 entries from across the UK and even the USA, making up 10 classes for pedigree entrants and 15 novelty classes. ‘Best in Show’ winner was Krystal, a PTSD therapy dog.
Desert Rats is a nickname for the army’s 7th Armoured Division, stationed in Thetford Forest between January and May 1944 while it prepared for the invasion of Normandy during the Second World War.
This was the only time the division - active from 1938 to 1958 - was in the UK throughout its entire existence.
The 2020 edition of the dog show raised £525, all of which will fund the memorial for all servicemen and women who served under the Desert Rats insignia.
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