Animal lovers have raised over £90,000 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.
Hosted in the New Forest, 894 participants came together at Breamore House, Hampshire on Saturday (22 April) in a fun-filled day of canine capers. The event has so far raised a total of £98,621 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.
Braving the mud on the day was the Brickster Barks Team from Hampshire who raised £1,500 and took part with their dogs Nelson, Baker, Buttons, George and Duffy. Team member, Robert Banner, who tackled the course with his one-year-old English Cocker Spaniel, Baker, said: “We had so much fun going round the course today and Baker was in dreamland. He’s such a fan of mud and water and always goes straight for the muddy puddles when I take him out on walks. He loved being alongside his doggy pals and couldn’t wait to jump into the ball bit splash. I’ll certainly have a job on my hands getting him nice and clean!
“We all share a passion for animals, so raising awareness for Battersea whilst getting muddy has made for a brilliant day out. At home Baker is best friends with my British Shorthair Cat, Archie. They were born on the same day and have grown up together, so it’s great knowing that we’re all helping dogs and cats who need that second chance in life to find their forever home.”
Battersea’s Senior Challenge Events Officer, Jasmine Monk, said: “Last year was our first time taking the Muddy Dog Challenge to the New Forest and we’re so thrilled that animal lovers have come out again in their numbers to support Battersea. Participants have raised an incredible amount and all the money raised will allow our dedicated staff to care for the thousands of dogs and cats that need our help everywhere. I want to thank all those who participated, volunteered, and cheered on their loved ones. Everyone has helped make this a really special day and without everyone’s support, we simply wouldn’t be able to do it”.
Battersea’s next Muddy Dog Challenge will be taking place in Derby.
For more information on how to take part, please visit the Battersea website: https://muddydog.battersea.org.uk/
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For more information and images please contact press@battersea.org.uk
Notes to editors
- The Muddy Dog Challenge raises money for Battersea. Registration for the remaining events are still open at: https://muddydog.battersea.org.uk/
- Battersea is on the lookout for volunteers for various roles at the Muddy Dog Challenge, for those who don’t want to run the course but still want to get involved, please visit: https://muddydog.battersea.org.uk/volunteers to find out more about how to volunteer.
- Battersea offers love and expert care to dogs and cats in need by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals across 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.
- In addition to the site in London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
- 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
- To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on Twitter @battersea , Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea