Pet lovers have raised over £80,000 by taking part in Battersea’s Muddy Dog Challenge - one of the UK’s biggest obstacle courses where members of the public can take part with their dog.
Over 700 participants came together at Harewood House, Leeds on Saturday (14 October) in a fun-packed day full of mud, sweat and cheers. The event has so far raised a total of £82,073 which will go towards the vital care of the thousands of dogs and cats everywhere that the charity helps every year.
After a starting line warm-up, participants of all ages tackled obstacles with their dogs as they weaved in and out of the mutt maze, wriggled through the mud at the canine crawl, leapt over the hurdling hounds and splashed through the doggy ball pit. Friends, family and volunteers clapped participants across the finishing line, where they were each handed a well-earned Muddy Dog Challenge medal and a rosette for their dogs.
Tackling the obstacles on the day was Jessica, who took on the challenge for the fourth year running with her 9-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer called Lexi. Jessica said: “For the last four years, Lexi and I have been taking part in the Muddy Dog Challenge and we always have so much fun. Lexi is a very energetic dog who loves nothing more than bounding around in the mud and water, so this is the perfect event for us to do together whilst raising money for Battersea and championing the amazing work they do.
“As Lexi is getting older, this is likely to be her last year taking part which has made it even more special. She will be passing the baton onto her little sister Daisy for future Muddy Dog events and cheering us on from the sidelines.”
Also braving the mud were colleagues Helen, Terrie and Rachel who work at a nearby hospital, alongside their dogs, a ten-year-old rescue dog called Jasper and one-year-old Cockapoos Rory and Rosie. Talking about the day, Helen said: “We had such a fun day at the Muddy Dog Challenge, the dogs all absolutely love water so they were in their element. We are animal lovers and have also volunteered for animal charities for many years, so it’s great to fundraise for such a good cause that is close to our hearts whilst also having a nice day out with the dogs. We’ll definitely be back!"
Battersea’s Senior Challenge Events Officer, Jasmine Monk, said: “Our Leeds event has seen our participants raise a fantastic amount for Battersea and all the money raised will allow our dedicated staff to care for dogs and cats everywhere. I want to say thank you to all those who participated, volunteered, and cheered on their loved ones. Everyone who took part helped to make this a really special event and without their support, we simply wouldn’t be able to do it”.
The next and final Muddy Dog Challenge event of 2023 will take place in Tunbridge Wells.
For more information about the Muddy Dog Challenge, please visit the Battersea website: https://muddydog.battersea.org.uk/
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For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk
Notes to editors
- At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2022 Battersea directly cared for 2,278 dogs and 2,253 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through our Communities programme, campaigning work, supporting other rescue centres and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- We’re reliant on the generosity of the public to continue to fund our vital work helping dogs and cats and the people who care for them. To donate to Battersea, visit: https://donate.battersea.org.uk
- In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent
- To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on Twitter @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea