Long Stay Legends Dog Show raises almost €6,500 in huge community success

The Long Stay Legends Dog Show has been hailed a fantastic success, raising more than €6,000 and, most importantly, shining a much-needed spotlight on long-stay rescue dogs waiting for homes across Cyprus. Organised by AIRS Foundation, the event brought together PAWS Dog Shelter, MoonAcre Larnaca, Taya Dog Valley Rescue Akrotiri and AIRS Foundation for a very special day dedicated to raising awareness of dogs who have spent far too long in shelter care. The aim of Long Stay Legends was simple: to give these incredible dogs their moment in the spotlight, introduce them to a wider audience and ultimately help more long-stay dogs find the loving homes they deserve. The event was extremely well attended, with visitors coming together to support the participating shelters, meet some of their wonderful dogs and enjoy a full day of entertainment and activities. The Long Stay Legends themselves were at the heart of the event, giving members of the public the opportunity to see beyond the shelter gates and discover the individual personalities of dogs still waiting patiently for their chance of a home. Local vendors were also an important part of the day, with a fantastic selection of businesses, makers and organisations able to showcase and sell their products in the event’s beautiful setting, adding to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the day there was plenty to enjoy, including the shelter dog parade, live entertainment, a fashion show, Sapphire Radio broadcasting live, stalls and a hugely supported charity raffle. The event also raised almost €6,500 for AIRS Foundation, an incredible result that will help the charity continue its work caring for and supporting rescue dogs. “Long Stay Legends was created first and foremost to raise awareness. There are so many wonderful dogs across Cyprus who have been living in shelters for months, and sometimes years, simply waiting for someone to give them a chance,” said AIRS Foundation Founder Keith Newman. “We wanted to bring rescue organisations together, put these dogs centre stage and show people just how much they have to offer,” he continued. “To see so many people come along and support the event was incredible. Raising more than €6,000 was an amazing bonus, but the greatest success was seeing our Long Stay Legends being seen, celebrated and given the opportunity to find their future families.” AIRS Foundation would like to extend a huge thank you to every sponsor, supporter, volunteer, vendor and entertainer who helped make the event possible, as well as everyone who attended and supported the day. Special thanks also go to PAWS Dog Shelter, MoonAcre Larnaca and Taya Dog Valley Rescue Akrotiri for joining AIRS Foundation and helping make Long Stay Legends a true celebration of Cyprus’ rescue community. The success of the event showed just what can happen when shelters, businesses, volunteers and the wider community come together for one shared purpose. For the Long Stay Legends of Cyprus, the message is simple: being in a shelter for a long time doesn’t make a dog any less deserving of a home. Sometimes, they just need more people to see them.