Press Release 11/11/2025
Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition as part of its #ThistlesHelps initiative.
From today, animal lovers are being encouraged to submit their favourite photo of their dog, along with a short bio about how their four-legged friend has made a difference in their life.
Entries will be judged by the young people that Paws for Progress work with at HMP & YOI Polmont, who will select a shortlist of images to go on display in Thistles’ community art gallery. Visitors will then be able to enjoy the uplifting stories and snapshots before an overall winner is crowned. The winning dog will receive a pampering package filled with treats and gifts to make tails wag.
Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “Our dogs bring so much joy, love and comfort to our lives, and we wanted to give shoppers the chance to celebrate that bond. Through our #ThistlesHelps initiative, we’re proud to support Paws for Progress in their incredible work, while creating something fun and heart-warming for the whole community to get involved in.”
Dr Rebecca Leonardi, Founder and Development Manager at Paws for Progress added: “We are thrilled to partner with Thistles on this wonderful project. Not only will it shine a light on the amazing relationships people have with their pets, but it also gives the young people we support the chance to inspire others and connect with the local community. Seeing the joy that dogs and people bring into each other’s lives is at the heart of Paws for Progress, and we can’t wait to celebrate that through this competition.”
The competition is part of Thistles’ #ThistlesHelps initiative, which was created as a way for the centre to give back to the local community in recognition of the support they have received over the years.
Paws for Progress is a local Community Interest Company specialising in dog-assisted learning and personal development programmes for young people and dogs. They deliver unique projects in community settings, schools, and prisons, improving wellbeing for both people and animals. They are the pioneering founders of the UK’s first Prison Based Rescue Dog Programme at HMP & YOI Polmont, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service and Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
To take part, simply send your pet photo and a short bio, along with your contact details, to ThistlesCompetition@mucklemediagroup.co.uk before 28th November 2025.
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Notes to editor
Media enquiries
For further information, imagery or interview requests please contact Bobby Thomson or Nadia Hassan at Muckle Media on thistles@mucklemedia.co.uk or via mobile on 07480 140 557 / 07446 646 285
About Thistles
Thistles Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Stirling and offers locals and visitors to the area the opportunity to shop from a number of well-known high street brands under one roof. Catering to fashion lovers, foodies, beauty fans and gamers alike, Thistles has over 70 shops and cafes to choose from.
Located on Goosecroft Road, Stirling, Thistles is easily accessible by car and public transport and has excellent amenities. Established in 1977 and expanded over the years, Thistles has become a premier shopping destination for those in Stirling and the surrounding areas.
For more information visit www.thistlesstirling.com.
About Paws for Progress CIC
Paws for Progress is a Community Interest Company specialising in providing dog-assisted learning programmes that benefit both the people and the dogs involved. Working in prisons, schools, and the community across Central Scotland and beyond, we are here to help young people and dogs to thrive! Taking a user-led approach, our learners are at the heart of everything that we do.
Paws for Progress provide dog-assisted learning programmes for young people in the community, more information on how to access these is available via our website: www.pawsforprogress.co.uk. As a not-for-profit organisation, you can support our work via LocalGiving.
Paws for Progress contact details: Suzanne Ruby, Operations Manager
