Dogs and their owners are being invited to put their best paws forward this September as Bath Cats and Dogs Home brings back its annual Wag Walk fundraising challenge.
Taking place on Sunday 27 September, the sponsored walk will start and finish at the charity’s rescue centre in Claverton, with organisers hoping to welcome more than 100 dogs and raise £8,000 towards the care of vulnerable animals.
Bath Cats and Dogs Home rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes more than 700 cats and dogs each year, taking in unwanted, neglected and abandoned animals from Bath and North East Somerset and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire.
Wag Walk offers a choice of two routes through the countryside surrounding the centre. Families can opt for a flat two-mile route or take on a more challenging five-mile walk along the National Trust Bath Skyline.
Every dog taking part will receive a Wag Walk bandana to wear on the day and take home afterwards. On returning to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, walkers can collect a dog-friendly goodie bag and enjoy refreshments and activities in the grounds.
Four-legged visitors will also be able to try have-a-go agility with Active Agility and scentwork with Frome K9, while Skylark Photography will be offering dog portraits in its photobooth.
Jessica Smart from Radstock, who has previously taken part with her dog Levy, said, “This fundraising walk is one of the highlights of the year for me and my dog Levy! Wag Walk is a fantastic day out and it’s great knowing that every step and every pound raised helps to support rescue cats and dogs. We wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
Registration costs £15 for the first dog and £5 for each additional dog, while people can walk for free. Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship, with prizes available for the top fundraisers.
The charity says every pound raised will go towards caring for rescue animals, with £50 in sponsorship enough to help keep a kennel open and ready for a lost, stray or abandoned dog needing shelter.
Carys Baker, Fundraiser at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, said, “Wag Walk is a brilliant day out for our canine friends and anyone who loves animals or walking. Our aim is for all rescue dogs, and cats, to have a happy future with a loving family of their own. Every step of their rehabilitation and rehoming relies on donations from our wonderful community, so please join in the walk in September.”
To find out more and register for Wag Walk, visit Bath Cats and Dogs Home.
