Scottish rescue dogs head to the beach to promote dog-friendly breaks

(Picture: Paws Pet Photography/Argyll Holidays) A 56% upsurge in families taking their dogs with them on staycations across Scotland will result in leading animal charity, the Scottish SPCA, enjoying a new wave of donations. A group of four-legged friends were unleashed on Loch Lomond?s private dog beach yesterday (Sunday 29 July) as Argyll Holidays launched its new partnership which will see them raise a minimum of ?2,000 in the next year for the Scottish SPCA. — (Picture: Paws Pet Photography/Argyll Holidays)

Staycations are great. Cheap, simple and free of any passport hell or familial relationship rupturing airport dramas. So why shouldnt Scotlands hard working rescue dogs get a look-in as well?

Thats the thinking behind a new initiative launched by travel agency Argyll Holidays and the Scottish SPCA.

Theres been a dramatic spike in domestic holidaymakers bringing their dogs with them as they explore the country, with a 56% increase over the past couple of years in the number of pampered pooches enjoying some downtime in the company of their owners.

So, they argue, its only right to give something back to the less fortunate canines without the same level of opportunity or comfort in their own day-to-day lives.

Just last week, a gang of pups were let loose on a Loch Lomond beach to mark the launch of a partnership that its hoped will bring in a minimum of £2,000 over the next year to support the SPCAs work with Scotlands most vulnerable and at risk dogs.

Its a pretty simple scheme. For every one dog that stays at an Argyll Holidays venue, a donation will be made to match: a massive boon for a charity without access to either lottery or government funding.

Lisa Allan-Downie, Head of Marketing, at Argyll Holidays, said: As a proud owner of two rescued Collies, Bonnie and Clyde, I understand that dogs are an important part of the family – and that means theyre part of the family holiday.

Were excited to be partnering with the Scottish SPCA to promote our dog friendly breaks and give something back to furry friends that might not have the opportunity to go on holiday this year.

At Argyll Holidays, were welcoming more and more dogs to stay every year and we make sure that they have a pawsome time, with special dog bowls and some of the most spectacular dog-walking routes for them to enjoy.

SPCA superintendent Sharon Comrie also spoke of her delight when chatting to Glasgow Live about the launch, saying: Dogs really are part of the family and its great that they are so welcome to stay at the holiday parks.

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We rely on the public to be able to continue our work rescuing and rehoming animals in desperate need of our help. Partnerships like this help us fund vital projects and day-to-day costs of running our rehoming centres.

A pup-laden weekend away and an excuse to feel a well justified glow of good deed smugness. Whats not to like?

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