An annual fundraising challenge, the Wag Walk, is to be held by Bath Cats and Dogs Home on Sunday 4th September for local people, walkers and animal lovers.
Photo courtesy of Bath Cats and Dogs Home
The walk, which is being sponsored by Bath Vets, will raise vital funds for the care of unwanted, stray or mistreated cats and dogs looked after by the charity.
Starting from the rescue centre in Claverton, the event offers a choice of a 2-mile flat route staying close to the Home or a 5-mile route along the National Trust Bath Skyline with more challenging terrain.
All dogs who take part will receive a ‘Wag Walk’ doggie bandana to wear on the walk and take home as a memento of the day.
The walk will finish back in the grounds of Bath Cats and Dogs Home, where walkers are encouraged to stay for a picnic with their new Wag Walk friends, collect their dog-friendly goodie bags and enjoy the refreshments and activities available in the field.
To register for the Wag Walk, visit www.bcdh.org.uk/wagwalk.
Entry costs £15 per person and is free for children under 16 years and dogs.
All entrants will receive a personalised sponsorship form and walkers are encouraged to raise a suggested £40 in sponsorship to support the charity.
Top fundraisers will receive a special prize and every pound raised will be used to care for unwanted, mistreated or abandoned dogs and cats.
TV presenter and celebrity vet, Dr James Greenwood said: “My faithful Labrador, Dolly and I are delighted to be joining dogs and walkers at the Wag Walk event to support Bath Cats and Dogs Home.
“I have experienced the incredible animal welfare work that the Home does to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome rescue cats and dogs, so I’m looking forward to grabbing my trainers and getting out into the beautiful Bath countryside to help them with their fundraising mission.
“Please join me on the walk as all proceeds raised will help support rescue pets who desperately need our help.”
Rachel Jones, CEO at Bath Cats and Dogs Home added: “The Wag Walk is always a really fun day out for walkers, animal lovers and their dogs.
“Our aim is for all our rescue pets to have a bright future with a new family of their own so if you’re looking for a new pet please adopt if you can.
“Every animal deserves their best shot at a happy ending and every step of this process is reliant on donations so your support at this event will be greatly appreciated.”
Andrea Parkes, from Bath, who works as a volunteer at Bath Cats and Dogs Home said: “I’ve volunteered at the Home for over six years and enjoy a variety of roles including the socialisation of shy or anxious rescue cats and dogs, it is so rewarding to see the animals grow in confidence so they can be rehomed.
“I’ve also volunteered at the Wag Walk and it is always a fabulous event which walkers, dogs and their owners absolutely love.
“There is something for every age and ability and it’s a wonderful opportunity for adopters to return and show their dog’s progress. What a great way to help raise funds for the Home while enjoying the Bath countryside.”
Bath Cats and Dogs Home rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes cats and dogs who are unwanted, neglected, or mistreated, taking in animals from Bath and North-East Somerset and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire.
The charity needs to raise over £1.8 million every year to continue its animal welfare work, both at the Home and in the local community.
