Bath Cats and Dogs Home had a sunny day for their thirteenth annual Wag Walk on Sunday 3rd September. Dogs, dog-lovers and walkers all enjoyed Bath’s biggest sponsored dog walk with almost one hundred people taking part with their dogs. The event was supported by TV vet, Dr James Greenwood who attended the event along with his rescue Labrador, Dolly.

TV presenter and celebrity vet, Dr James 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 called ‘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 emboidered lead cover and bonus items for their goody bag.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home thanks all the volunteers, marshals and sponsors who supported the event, including; Take Charge Bikes, Cotswold Outdoor and IMS Limited. Sponsors of the goody bag gifts were Tails.com, Tuff Pets, W’zis, Green & Wilds, Hungry Pawz and Vets Kitchen.

Starting from the rescue centre in Claverton, Bath the two walking routes crossed beautiful countryside, including the National Trust Bath Skyline. There was a choice of a two mile flat route staying close to the Home or a five mile route with more challenging terrain. All dogs who took part received a dog-friendly goody bag of treats and a stylish ‘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 the 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 five mile walk at Wag Walk accompanied by my brilliant Dalmatian, Harri. We rehomed him from Bath Cats and Dogs Home about eleven years ago and he’s now heading for thirteen years old.”

“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.”

“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, both at the Home and in the local community.

To donate to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wagwalk2023