The Great Isle of Wight Dog Walk has been hailed a howling success by organisers, participants and supporters alike.
The charity event – held on Sunday 27th April – saw the RSPCA Isle of Wight partner with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet, which kindly hosted walkers and their four-legged friends for a fun-filled day of activity and fundraising.
Friends of the Animals also held a Fun Dog Show at the venue, with entertaining categories such as prettiest bitch, most handsome dog, waggiest tail and best six legs.
The day began with a vintage steam train ride to the starting point of a dog-friendly, 3-mile route through the spring countryside, returning to the station on foot. In the afternoon, a second 5-mile circular hike set off from Havenstreet, giving both dogs and their owners a further chance to enjoy the sunshine.
More than 100 dogs and 300 people took part in the event, including the newly appointed High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Jacqueline Gazzard, who officially launched the walk alongside her cockapoo, Humphrey.
Jacqueline Gazzard, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, has said:
“A ride on the steam train and then a fabulous walk with sixty other dogs!
“Humphrey the cockapoo was beside himself and I loved meeting those who joined in, whether on two legs or four!”
Article continues below this advertisement
While the dogs enjoyed their strolls, supporters back at Havenstreet browsed a selection of stalls from local businesses including Happy Hound Artisan Bakery, Country Canines and Track a Dog. Several stallholders generously donated all of their takings to the cause.
Steve Backhouse, Branch Director, has said:
“We raised more than £3,000 which is a fantastic result.
“As a small, independent and local charity we must fundraise for everything we spend here at the Branch and are always looking for new, fresh ideas to raise money. And of course, this wasn’t just a fundraiser – it was a celebration of the bond we share with our pets and the strength of our Island community.”
Following the success of this year’s event, plans are already in motion to make the Great Isle of Wight Dog Walk an annual tradition.
More details on future events can be found at www.rspca-isleofwight.org.uk/events.
Don’t forget they all deserve a treat
The owners or the dogs
Lol
I must say it was a great event, the dogs
loved it.
Ahhhhh so lots of poo bags thrown into bushes then!