GROUNDWORKS are underway to build a memorial to military dogs in Flintshire.

Back in October 2021, the Leader reported on Holywell Pet Cemetery's plans to create a National Military Working Dogs Memorial (NMWDM) on site.

Earlier this year, the business unveiled its first dog statue following a successful fundraising campaign.

Since then, their fundraising efforts - which include everything from raffles and collection tins - has seen them collect over £100,000.

In March, the pet cemetery team were able to put in place the first of four dog statues it plans to house at the memorial site once it is complete.

Now, as of last week, groundworks are officially underway to help turn the dream into a reality at the site.

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Holywell Pet Cemetery's John Ward said: "We have officially started groundworks this week for the memorial and I have attached some pictures of this.

"We removed the sign which has been up for some time in the proposed memorial area and have had the delivery of materials from Haddonstone, our chosen supplier.

"We have now prepared the ground and are already preparing the paths for the plinths.

"Lucky, our second statue dog, is currently in manufacturing and we have also paid the deposit on our third dog. We are very excited with this progress we are making. However, still have some fundraising to do!

The Leader:

"We are actively doing this is in many ways such as by still having collection tubs in businesses, attending fundraising days such as the RAF Valley Family event on the August 10, selling NMWDM merchandise and much more."

The first bronze figure placed on site recently, which cost £24,000, depicts Theo, who represented the British Army and the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment.

He served with his handler Liam Tasker in Afghanistan. Sadly they were both repatriated together after an ambush whilst on patrol.

Holywell Pet Cemetery (also known as Pet Funeral Services Ltd) is based at Brynford near Holywell and has been running for a total of 31 years.

During that time it has helped hundreds of people lay to rest their beloved animals, including one flown 6,000 miles from Hong Kong back in 2015.