The thirteenth annual Wag Walk fundraiser in aid of Bath Cats and Dogs Home has been deemed a success, with almost one hundred people taking part with their dogs.
Taking part in the annual Wag Walk | Photo © Bath Cats & Dogs Home
Dogs, dog-lovers and walkers came together on Sunday 3rd September for the sponsored event.
The walk was supported by TV vet, Dr James Greenwood who attended with his rescue Labrador, Dolly.
Dr Greenwood said; “I have nothing but praise for the incredible animal welfare work provided by Bath Cats and Dogs Home as they do a wonderful job of rescuing vulnerable cats and dogs, but also rehabilitating their health and behaviour to get them ready to be safely rehomed.
“Please consider adopting a rescue pet if you’re able to and thank you to all my fellow walkers on the Wag Walk for supporting this brilliant charity.”
The prize draw to win a signed copy of Dr James Greenwood’s new book, ‘For The Love of Animals’, was won by Catherine Lane.
The top Wag Walk fundraiser will also receive a prize bundle which will include a signed copy of Dr James Greenwood’s book, an embroidered lead cover and bonus items for their goody bag.
Radio Bath presenter Bob Crampton was at the event to interview Dr Greenwood, walkers, adopters, staff and volunteers and helped with the countdown to the two walks.
Starting from the rescue centre in Claverton, Bath the two walking routes crossed the countryside, including the National Trust Bath Skyline.
There was a choice of a 2-mile flat route staying close to the Home or a 5-mile route with more challenging terrain.
All dogs who took part received a dog-friendly goody bag of treats and a ‘Wag Walk’ doggie bandana to wear on the walk and take home as a memento of the day.
The walk finished back in the event field at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, where dogs and their owners cooled off with a splash in our paddling pools while volunteers made sure that everyone had plenty of water to keep their dogs hydrated.
Rachel Jones, CEO at Bath Cats and Dogs Home said; “We loved seeing so many of our rescue dogs return for the Wag Walk this year as well as many other local dogs and their owners.
“It was great to see them all having fun in the Bath countryside while raising money for the animals in our care.
“All sponsorship raised by our Wag Walk event is so much appreciated, particularly during this challenging time when so many more stray and abandoned dogs and cats are arriving at our rescue centre.”
Stuart Ross from Bath said: “I did the 5-mile walk at Wag Walk accompanied by my brilliant Dalmatian, Harri.
“We rehomed him from Bath Cats and Dogs Home about 11 years ago and he’s now heading for 13 years old. He has been a loving dog and much admired by everybody we meet, particularly children.
“Thank you to all staff and volunteers for putting on such an enjoyable and beneficial event, I will certainly keep my eyes open for next year’s Wag Walk event.”
Richard Corp who adopted, Odey, a Jack Russell Cross from Bath Cats and Dogs Home two years ago, said: “I am a big supporter of the rescue centre, they do wonderful work looking after animals in need and I was impressed with their knowledge and professionalism during Odey’s adoption in August 2021.
“This year’s Wag Walk was a brilliant event, Odey and I enjoyed walking the two-mile route with my wife, Suzanne.
“What’s most important is that the funds raised from this event are for an excellent cause, to provide care for rescue pets at the Home, so please support the charity if you can.”
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 £2.1million every year to continue its animal welfare work.
