Shop is important cog in the dog rescue charity's wheel

Everyone you see working in the shop and those behind the scenes are volunteers. So, every penny we make there goes direct to provide for the dogs in our care. It takes 72 hours of volunteer time – dealing with donations, serving customers, clearing up at the end of the day and getting creative with the displays – just to keep the shop open for a week. As dog lovers one of the great joys of volunteering in the shop is getting to know so many well-behaved dogs – we are extremely dog-friendly so love to catch up with our regular four-legged customers and get to know those who are just visiting.

The humans they bring with them give great support to the charity.

The people of Amble – with or without a dog – are warm and friendly; lots of local people browse for a bargain several times a week throughout the year.

Caravan owners and second-home people call in to replace things they forgot to pack and quite a few short-term visitors need to pick up an extra jumper, coat or hat. The breeze off the sea takes folk by surprise!

It’s not just buying things that helps pay the bills for the dogs; equally important are people bringing in the donations that we depend on to stock the shop. We get some amazing things, ranging from brand new items of clothing to a dozen boxes of china and kitchen equipment when someone moves house.

One of the behind-the-scenes volunteers is a PAT tester so we safety check and sell electrical items. We can arrange to call and collect donated items if that would help.

There’s a good supply of canine accessories for sale – often new but there’s always a selection of very reasonably priced pre-loved items – such as harnesses, leads, bowls, towels, toys and coats.

If you would like to join the team and volunteer at the shop or you have some goods to donate that need collection you can contact us by email at [email protected] or through the Northumberland Dog Rescue Charity Shop Amble Facebook page.

Alternatively, call in at the shop, it’s open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, and you will receive a warm welcome.

Rescue Dog of the Week

Frankie is a four-year-old Pug. Frankie does have some nerve damage to his back and tends to walk on his back claws so has to wear little boots.

Frankie is a real character and is full of fun. He is very affectionate and likes to talk to you. We are looking for a home with no young children and as an only dog or maybe just one other calm dog of a similar size.

Poor Frankie hasn't had a good start to life so we are keen to get him settled in a secure, loving forever home. Whoever is lucky enough to adopt Frankie will get a very loving companion who will always keep you entertained