Tails wagging for cause

Dogs Dexter, Mason and Megan wagged their tails in support of the hospice’s annual ‘Bark in the Park’ at a launch event this week.

The Bark in the Park event, which will take place at Lawson Showground near Stanley Park on April 16, will see pampered pooches and their owners take on a leisurely 5km dog walk to raise money for Trinity Hospice.

The walk attracts every breed, from giant Newfoundlands to tiny Yorkshire Terriers each year, with 2014’s event raising more than £6,000.

Dexter, Mason and Megan modelled smart new bandannas, which will be given to each participating pooch at the Pets At Home-sponsored walk.

Linzi Young, head of fund-raising at Trinity Hospice and Brian House, said: “It was canine chaos!

“Getting all three dogs to look the same way at once proved impossible, but it was a great taste of what Bark in the Park is all about. We are expecting hundreds of dogs and their humans for the event at Lawson Showground and are hoping to raise several thousand pounds.

“People love Bark in the Park and we are glad to see it back in the fundraising calendar after a break last year.

“Pets at Home is kindly sponsoring the event again, and there will be canine-themed stalls and entertainment at the start line, making it a must-do for all local dogs and their owners.”

Shirley Morgan, staff worker at Trinity Hospice, added: “It’s a lovely event. Everybody gathers with their dogs at the show ground and what’s really nice about it is that all the dog owners are chatting and the dogs get to meet each other. It’s just a lovely atmosphere.

“We have every breed you can imagine and some people even dress their dogs up.”

Dog owners who want to take part in Bark in the Park can join on the day or sign up online at www.trinityhospice.co.uk.

Entry costs £6 per dog, plus unlimited humans.