Dogs and their owners raised more than £155,000 in a charity obstacle course in Windsor Great Park at the weekend.
Battersea's Muddy Dog Challenge – one of the UK’s biggest obstacle courses – saw members of the public from across Berkshire, take part with their dogs on Saturday and Sunday (September 16 and 17).
More than 1400 participants joined in, and so far have raised a total of £157,858 for Battersea.
Jasmine Monk, Battersea’s senior challenge events officer said: “Our Windsor Muddy Dog Challenge events are particularly special to us as one of our three centres is located nearby in the Royal Borough, so it was great to see so many animal lovers coming together to support Battersea and celebrate Battersea’s Wear Blue for Rescue, which is taking place throughout September.
“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.”
After a warm up at the starting line, participants took on the obstacles with their dogs, including weaving through the mutt maze, wriggling through the muddy canine crawl and leaping over the hurdling hounds before the doggy ball pit.
Friends, family and volunteers clapped participants across the finishing line, where they were each handed a Muddy Dog Challenge medal and a rosette for their dogs.
A team from the London Fire Brigade ran the course with wellbeing dogs from the fire service and team member, Shelley said it was a ‘great opportunity' for a ‘fun team building day with the dogs whilst raising money for a good cause'.
Also taking on the mud on the day was Ana Newman with her three-year-old Labrador Retriever, Shadow.
Ana said: “Shadow had a great time taking part in the Muddy Dog Challenge; he is such a character and absolutely loves jumping on things and was in his element jumping in and out of the muddy obstacles.
“After my dad passed away in 2021, Shadow got me out into nature, and I chose to do a new ‘dog-venture’ with him every weekend in memory of my dad. When I saw the Muddy Dog Challenge events, it felt like a great way to give back and also give Shadow something fun to do whilst supporting the amazing work Battersea does. We’ll definitely be back.”
For more information about the Muddy Dog Challenge and how to take part, please visit the Battersea website: https://www.muddydog.battersea.org.uk/
Throughout September, Battersea is championing rescue animals who need a second chance in life in the UK and abroad with ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’. To support Battersea, get involved by visiting https://www.battersea.org.uk or by searching #WearBlueForRescue.
