MORE than 870 animal lovers and their dogs came together to get mucky and have fun in Battersea’s Muddy Dog Challenge.
Participants at the event raised a total of £86,166, which will go towards vital care of the thousands of dogs and cats everywhere that Battersea helps every year.
Battersea’s Muddy Dog Challenge is one of the UK’s biggest obstacle courses where members of the public can take part with their dog.
Participants came from all over Hampshire for the event, which was held at Breamore House in the New Forest on Saturday, May 14.
The course saw them splash through the doggy ball pit, slide through the mutt maze and brave the canine crawl in a day full of mud, sweat and cheers.
Stuart Rogers, from Southampton, took part with his six-year-old rescue dog Marley, a Dachshund Beagle cross.
Stuart, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and six months ago was unable to walk unaided, said: “This has been a great personal challenge for me to take on and Marley has really given me the incentive to get back out there and get walking again.
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"He’s been by my side every step of the way and absolutely loved splashing through the mud with me. He’ll definitely be getting a treat when we get home! It’s been great taking part with so many other people that are passionate about helping Battersea take in dogs and cats that need to find new homes."
Battersea’s senior challenge events officer, Jasmine Monk, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who came and took part in the Muddy Dog Challenge with us.
"This was our first time taking the event to New Forest and we are so grateful to each and every single person and dog who came along – whether they were taking part, volunteering or cheering their loved ones on.
"All the money raised will allow Battersea’s dedicated staff to care for the thousands of dogs and cats that need our help everywhere. We wouldn’t be able to do it without everyone’s support and we really kicked off our first event of the year in style."
This event was the first of nine happening across the UK this year.
Battersea’s Muddy Dog Challenge will be taking place in locations such as Manchester, Leeds, Windsor and Exeter. For more go to muddydog.battersea.org.uk/
Click the top image to see a gallery of photos from the Hampshire event.
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