The Hospice Shed has created many unique and interesting Items since it opened 10 years ago. There have been butterfly boxes, bug mansions, cat shaped door stops and Hedgehog houses alongside signs, notices and doll houses. 

Most recently, our newest session leader, Georgie, is taking on the challenge of making Dog Training Boards. 

Georgie has taken all her dogs to training school where they use the boards for the dogs to return to when learning recall. After noticing some of the boards were looking a little tired she spoke to fellow session leader, Andy, to discuss making new ones to sell and raise funds for the Hospice. The new boards are made from donated wood and astroturf from Chessington Garden Centre, that would otherwise have gone to landfill.  

Dog boards can be purchased online for anything between £30-£100, but the quality can differ greatly. The boards need to be durable as they’re used mainly outside and in all weathers.

Georgie’s Labradoodle, Wilf, enjoys his training and has taken to his new board very well. His trainer has ordered four new boards to be used as part of her training classes. 

Not only are they new, but they come with an integrated handle and can be personalised with a dog’s name or slogan of choice. Georgie is currently working on the twenty-first order, so they’re proving very popular. 

Our Shed will be selling the dog boards and other handmade items at this year’s Summer Fete & Dog Show at Sandown Racecourse.