OKEFORD veterinary centre in Okehampton will be celebrating National Pet Month, which runs from April 7 to May 7, to promote responsible pet ownership and raise money for animal charities. The practice will be raising funds for the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals and the Dartmoor Rescue Group, incorporating the Search and Rescue Dog Association. Vet Olivia Hicks and nurse Kelly Ashe have bravely volunteered to do a parachute jump on April 22 and are seeking sponsorship for the challenge. And on Saturday April 28, the practice is holding a fete from 11am to 2pm, which will include fun stalls, free refreshments, face painting and pet health displays. Many animal-related charities will have displays, and dog-owners are invited to bring along their pet and enter a 'Flyball' competition — as seen at Crufts. Children and adults are also invited to submit entries for several photographic and art competitions, which will be judged on the day. There will be a competition for the best picture of 'my pet' by children aged eleven and under, a photography competition on the subject 'my pet' for under-16s, and an adult photo competition for a shot of the pet with 'most character'. Entries for all the competitions should be handed in to the surgery by April 25. Okeford's Chagford practice will also be marking National Pet Month with an open day on April 14 from 10am until noon.
