Midge Hall Secure Dog Field

15/11/2025

Thanks to the kindness of Janet Wakefield and anonymous we had two rescues on the field yesterday in two separate appointments.

Janet’s appointment paid for Spaniel Aid foster dog Millie to come for a wet and windy play. And anonymous’s appointment saw the return of favourite long term foster deaf Collie Finlay.

Despite the dreadful conditions both enjoyed a good run around off lead. And that’s all that matters.

Thanks for your kindness folks. It makes a huge difference to these dogs and their carers.

Fiona 🐾

11/11/2025

Dear rain, you’ve had your fun but the field would now like to dry off a bit please. Can we all team up and politely ask the rain to give it a rest?

The field’s still in good shape overall, though it’s a bit squelchy around the equipment after all this wet weather. 🤦🏻‍♀️

05/11/2025

Fireworks & dog safety reminder

With fireworks expected over the next few days, please take a few extra steps to keep your dogs calm and safe. Many dogs experience real fear and stress during fireworks due to the sudden, unpredictable noises and vibrations.

I recommend playing Taiko drums on YouTube before fireworks begin. The deep, rhythmic beats of Taiko drums play in a similar low-frequency range to fireworks, but in a steady, predictable rhythm rather than random explosions. By playing these sounds early, you can help your dog’s brain adjust to those frequencies in a calmer context, which can make the real thing less startling when fireworks start outside.

How to help your dog cope:

* Begin playing Taiko drum sounds about 30–60 minutes before fireworks are expected.
* Keep the volume at a comfortable level—not too loud.
* Close curtains, turn on indoor lights and create a cozy safe space for your dog to retreat to.
* Stay calm yourself—your dog takes emotional cues from you.

Let’s do our part to keep every dog in our community feeling safe, supported and cared for during this noisy season.

Here’s a link:

https://youtu.be/1czjURFkHh0?si=tOV3IYplhTsb89PZ

Fiona 🐾

Original Youtube channel 10HoursOfEverythingSound and music videos for personal growth: https://soundsforhealing.wordpress.com/

05/11/2025

Finlay was found unresponsive in a ditch by a dog walker clearly having suffered trauma. Only around 6–7 months old, he was taken in by Rochdale Dog Rescue and placed in foster care for testing.

Finlay experienced episodes of chasing imaginary objects, severe pica and extreme shadow chasing—the worst specialists had seen. He’s also deaf, making his care challenging but his foster carer had already bonded with him so he stayed as a long term foster.

High-energy and unable to be safely off-lead due to his neurological issues and deafness, Finlay loves running around the field and carrying leaves or grass in his mouth. Midge Hall Dog Field provides the perfect safe space for him to run, play and explore.

His fosterer told me “it’s hard to put into words just how important places like Midge Hall Dog Field are for dogs who deserve the freedom of being a dog but have environmental restrictions through no fault of their own”

A huge thank you to the anonymous donor who kindly paid for Finlay’s session at the field this morning. Your generosity means so much and allowed him to enjoy a safe happy run full of freedom and fun — something truly special for a boy like him.

31/10/2025

When nearly 17 year old Molly came into to the care of Rochdale Dog Rescue she was very shut down and had major dental issues. Once she'd had her dental treatment (19 teeth removed 😳) it was decided that she'd remain in permanent foster with the fabulous Jemma Aspden.

Thanks to wonderful ‘anonymous’ paying for a field session this morning, she’s had the most amazing time off lead as you can see.

Molly is now blind but this doesn't stop her tearing around the field, rolling in the long grass and having a good old sniff and snuffle.

Thank you anon.

Fiona 🐾

30/10/2025

Big thanks to The Dog Cabin, Doggy Day Care for their generous donation, which made today possible for rescues Jenny and Eli.

They had total freedom at the field today and it was their first time off-lead. As you can see, they made the most of it.

I’m so grateful to have such an amazing community ❤️

Fiona 🐾

26/10/2025

Rant alert:

I love it when people let their dogs damage equipment and don’t bother to stop them or mention it to me afterwards.

Huge thanks to whoever’s dog did this — I really appreciate having to replace it in the dark tonight after the field closes. 🤬

Please, if your dog damages something, own up to it. It’s just basic courtesy.

Thanks
Fiona 🐾

24/10/2025

I did probably the last grass cut of the year at the field this morning (yes I cut it myself weekly).

Some of my friends think I’m obsessed with cutting the grass. But I see it this way:

It makes it easier to find p**p. It’s nicer for the little dogs (it’s not just bigger dogs that use the field). And it’s like having your own massive back garden for your dogs when you use the field.

I got absolutely drenched as the weather was abysmal, but it looks nicer now and should make it ok over winter.

Fiona 🐾

23/10/2025

Today, we gathered to highlight the fantastic work of Labradors NW and the Rescue Trust of North West Golden Retriever Club. All the dogs at the event have found their forever homes, thanks to the tireless efforts of these two rescues.

It was incredible to see the impact these dog rescues have on the lives of the dogs they help. Whether they’re young or golden oldies, each one has been given a new start.

A big thank you to Claire Whaite of Furry Friends, Much Hoole for your generous donation, which made today’s event possible. Your support is appreciated by everyone involved.

If you’d like to support or learn more about these rescues, you can find more info here:

* Labrador Rescue North West: www.homealabrador.net
* Rescue Trust of North West Golden Retriever Club: www.nwgrcrescuegoldens.co.uk

Thank you to everyone who made today a success and for the continued support of these fantastic rescues ❤️🐾

21/10/2025

Sophie has been in long-term foster with Rochdale Dog Rescue for the past few months. At 15 years old, she usually just goes out for lead walks but as you can see she’s still got plenty of energy when given the chance 😁

Thanks to a kind donation from a member of the public, Sophie now has access to a the dog field where she can enjoy some off lead time. And that’s exactly what she did this morning.

Her fosterer says “the dog field is her happy place” and it’s clear to see on this video, she absolutely loves it.

It might seem like a small thing but to Sophie it means everything ❤️🐾

20/10/2025

Thanks to a kind family member of mine who paid for it, golden oldie Bobby had a lovely hour at the field today.

He’s very stubborn and shall we say selective with his hearing, so off lead walks are a no no.

At 13 years old, rescue Bobby ran and ran and sniffed everything. It’s moments like these that remind us why rescue work is so important.
❤️🐾

19/10/2025

A quick reminder for all guests:

Please arrive no more than five minutes before your scheduled time. If you do arrive early, kindly wait at the concrete wall down the track.

This helps keep the area calm for dogs that may be uncomfortable around others.

Your cooperation ensures a better experience for everyone.

Thanks for your support
Fiona 🐾