Dog-tastic attractions set for charity’s Bark in the Park family fun day

Families and their four-legged friends are invited to attend a dog-tastic day out in Preston to celebrate all things pooch!

St Catherine’s Hospice is once again hosting its popular Bark in the Park event to help raise money for the charity, featuring a sponsored dog walk, agility and obedience displays, pet-friendly stalls, a barbecue, funfair and doggy talent show.

The Lostock Hall hospice has teamed up with Preston Agility Dogs (PADs), Dogtastic dog trainers and Preston City Council to host the event, which takes place from 10am until 4.30pm at Avenham Park on Saturday, 1^st October.

The 2.5-mile walk will set off at noon, taking in parts of Preston and South Ribble.

New attractions this year include a Breeders’ Village, displays from the talented Manchester prison dogs, and a Dog Problem Solving Session.

There will also be special appearances from the Guide Dogs charity, the RSPCA, Dog’s Trust, Lancashire’s German Shepherd Rescue centre, and Rochdale Dog Rescue.

One of the organisers, Ian Routh, a member of PADs, said: “Bark in the Park is a brilliant day out to celebrate all things dog! There will be plenty of stalls selling goodies for your four-legged friends, and lots of things going on throughout the day to keep the whole family entertained.

“The sponsored walk is the main event, taking in both sides of the River Ribble. It’s great fun and a good way to meet other dog-lovers and share stories of your pooches, whilst enjoying a scenic walk through beautiful parkland and woodlands.

“It’s pram and wheelchair-friendly, so everyone can get involved.”

He added: “We’re also encouraging members of the public to have a go on the agility and obedience course, which will be lots of fun and will test people’s handling skills!

“Another popular feature which we’re bringing back this year is the dog show, with categories including Waggiest Tail, Catch the Biscuit, Most Adorable Puppy, and Best in Show.”

A bouncy castle, fairground rides and donkey rides will appeal to children, and Pinewood Vets will be on hand to offer free micro-chipping for pets.

And The Mill Outside – the outside catering arm of the popular Mill café in the grounds of St Catherine’s Hospice, which generates funds for the charity – will be cooking up a tasty barbecue.

St Catherine’s fundraiser Emma Jacovelli said: “Bark in the Park is a firm favourite with our supporters. It’s a really fun day out which helps raise vital funds to help us continue our specialist care of people with life-shortening illnesses, at the hospice and out in the community in people’s own homes.

“Popular features from previous years are back on the agenda, such as the dog displays, and there’s a whole host of new attractions like the Dog Problem Solving Session, which should keep visitors entertained all day long.”

Registration for the dog walk is £3 per dog in advance, or £5 on the day. Walkers are encouraged to generate further funds for the hospice by getting sponsored to take part.

Sign up now by clicking here or calling 01772 324540.

Share with your friends!