Charity, Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on October 24th, 2025 | return to news

Tail-wagging treasure hunt for Wimborne

A canine Treasure Trail will be launched this Saturday at 9am in Wimborne Square by the Mayor of Wimborne in support of Guide Dogs.

There could be a lot of tail-wagging in Wimborne Minster this Saturday 25 October, when the Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart, officially opens a canine Treasure Trail at 9am in Wimborne Square — all in support of Guide Dogs.

Shoppers are invited to take part in a town-wide hunt for toy guide dog puppies, cleverly hidden in shop windows across the town. Rather than ‘how much is that doggy in the window,’ it’s ‘where is that doggy in the window?’

Clue sheets are available for just £1 from the Guide Dogs information stands at Wimborne Square and Crown Mead, with all proceeds going to the many life-changing services provided by Guide Dogs.

Once completed, trail sheets can be posted into a Treasure Chest at Wimborne Square, where the fun continues with a tombola, raffle, and a chance to meet real guide dogs and puppies in training. Visitors are kindly reminded to ask handlers before approaching puppies, as these young trainees are learning vital skills for their future partners.

The Treasure Hunt Prize Giving will take place at Café on the Square on Saturday, 1 November, at 11am, where lucky winners will be awarded an array of prizes including a weekend break, luxury hamper, garden centre vouchers, Wimborne Town Football Club match tickets, cinema tickets, dining and shopping vouchers, and many more surprises.

Local schools are also joining the cause, welcoming Guide Dog presentation visits to help children learn about sight loss and the incredible work these dogs do.

One local Guide Dogs volunteer shared: “As a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser, I hope to contribute to someone with sight loss enjoying a more independent life, making happy memories, and gaining a ‘pawsome’ life-changer.”

Wimborne is a guide dog-friendly town, with many shops welcoming puppy trainers and their pups as they learn to navigate real-world environments. Elli Cavazza, Puppy Development Manager, said: “We are so grateful to Wimborne businesses for their support with the event, from providing a space for the treasure hunt to brilliant prizes for participants. The funds raised help directly support our work, including the purchase of enrichment toys, games, and other equipment for our puppies in training.”

Sam Devlin, Wimborne BID Deputy Chairman and owner of Vetsmiths, said: “Over 20 Wimborne businesses have got behind this campaign by taking part in the treasure trail, and many others have been so generous with donations for raffle and tombola prizes. It looks set to be a great day of canine charm and community spirit to help raise vital funds for this charity and these amazing dogs who are life-changing companions for those without sight.”

The funds raised through initiatives such as this allow Guide Dogs to continue to fund the charity’s life-changing services for people living with sight loss. To learn more about Guide Dogs, including how you can help by fundraising or volunteering, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help.

Also, on 25 October, the Wimborne Poppy Appeal launches in the Square at 10am, which will include the Dorset Military Enthusiasts Trust on parade in the Square.