The MADRA team will shortlist applications and choose individuals or families to participate in the matchmaking scheme. A final shortlist of three participants will go forward to take part in the Doggy Blind Date event on Sunday 12 February where they will unveil their chosen dog live on stage - they will have had the opportunity to meet with their three different dogs in a calm environment in advance of the event.
The Doggy Blind Date event will take place in conjunction with the next MADRA Dog Adoption Day, where as many as thirty dogs will be brought into the city from the kennels looking to find their new homes.
The canines who have failed to woo their potential new owners on stage will have a second chance at finding a home at this adoption event. Similarly, those who applied to take part in the programme but failed to make the shortlist can also attend and apply to adopt a dog at the event.
The Doggy Blind Date process will be filmed from start to finish to create awareness of the thousands of rescue dogs that are available for adoption across the country, and to highlight some of the common pitfalls people make when choosing a dog.
Marina Fiddler will be taking on the role of canine matchmaker, a role she has been fulfilling for over eleven years since the charity was established in 2005. Marina and the charity’s team of volunteers and staff have successfully matched thousands of dogs with their lucky owners over the years.
Marina explains how the idea came about: “Here at MADRA we regularly get to act as matchmakers, but unfortunately we also have to deal with the break ups too...