Members of the public are being invited to meet the life-saving hero dogs of the Lake District.
The Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs Association (LDMRSDA) will host its annual open day at Kirkstone Pass car park, near Ambleside, on Sunday, August 17, from 11am to 3pm.
Visitors to the open day will have the chance to meet the LDMRSDA search dogs and their handlers, learn about the training process, and watch the dogs in action as they work across the hillside. The event will feature the association’s Dogsbodies – volunteers who hide in various locations to help train the dogs in all weather conditions.
Cumbria Police Dogs will also be in attendance for the first time in support of the force’s charity, the Cumbria Police Dog Benevolent Fund.
Emma Atherton, the secretary of LDMRSDA, said: “We are dedicated to the training, development, and deployment of search dogs within the Lake District Mountains and Fells to search for missing and injured people.
“Our handlers are operational members of Mountain Rescue Teams within the Lake District, giving up their free time to help those in need.
“We rely solely on the generosity of public donations to continue our work. We encourage everyone to come along, show their support, and enjoy a wonderful day in the heart of the Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site.”
Mike Evans, the association’s fundraiser officer and events co-ordinator, added: “The open day is the perfect opportunity for people to come and speak to the handlers and to meet the hero dogs who save lives, and it promises to be a fun, informative and interactive event.”
Their sponsors, the Lakes Collection, a premium dog food brand from WCF Pet & Equestrian, will be on hand at the open day to offer advice and guidance on dog nutrition and wellbeing, as well as handing out free samples of their dog food range.
LDMRSDA has announced it is likely that it will be the last open day held at Kirkstone Pass before relocating to a new venue for 2026.
