TWO Tibetan Mastiffs called Yang and Zeus are visiting a York church hall tomorrow at an event to support projects in Tibetan refugee communities in India.

People can meet the ancient breed, dubbed 'truly gentle giants,' at St Olave’s Church Hall in Marygate Lane from 2.30pm to 4pm, their visit organised by Tibet Support Group York in collaboration with Tibetan Mastiff Rescue UK.

which are the forefathers of all the mountain breeds. Tibetan Mastiffs have been used for thousands of years to both protect the flocks of Tibetan nomads and also guard Buddhist monasteries. Since the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959 however their survival in their native land has been threatened. Male Tibetan Mastiffs can grow to be 16 stone and can reach nearly 3 foot in height. Cindy from Tibetan Mastiff Rescue UK said ‘These dogs are truly gentle giants. They have a beautiful presence and temperament and Yang and Zeus now work as therapy dogs. The effect they have on the elderly people we visit and especially patients in psychiatric wards is truly amazing’.

Yang and Zeus will be at St. Olave’s Church Hall, Marygate Lane, York YO30 7BJ from 2.30pm – 4-00pm on Saturday 9th June. All very welcome. Children free, suggested donation for adults £5 (£3 for people on a low income). All proceeds from this event will go to support projects in Tibetan refugee communities in India.

on Saturday 9th June. They are engaging and fascinating dogs with a wonderful presence who would, I think, appeal to many. I would be most grateful if you could mention the event sometime next week if thats possible. I also wonder if you might be interested in photographing the event. They are undoubtedly very photogenic dogs!

For my part I help to organise Tibet Support Group York, a local campaigning and fundraising group,.http://www.tibetsupportgroupyork.org/

who are helping to put on the event. in collaboration with Tibetan Mastiff Rescue UK http://www.tibetanmastiffrescue.co.uk