Dogtails in the Park
So we did it. A mere walk in the Park but what a great day it was. Light cloud, a little sun and, most importantly, no rain.
Commencing at 10am, with staggered starts until 11am, over 80 walkers with some 50 dogs set off on their 2km or 4km stroll around the Gardens. Armed with maps, water and a good dose of energy, both walkers and dogs embraced the day with lots of love and affection between dog owners, dog walkers and the dogs themselves.
There was a mix of breeds from the little to the very large with the smallest being the eponymous 'Tiny' (no prizes for guessing he is a chihuahua) to Quinn, the big boy of the pack who stole the show as the one and only Leonburger. In addition we had the handsome Prince Louis, adorable Coco and simply lovely Lulu who can't go without a mention for being small breeds with big personalities. There were just too many dogs to single out each and every one of them (even though we would love to) but just to give a taster of the day, we had one or more of the following in attendance:
Miniature Schnauzers, Cavapoos, Jack Russells, Beagles, Fox Terriers, Labradors, Schnoodles, Shitzus, Springer, King Charles Cavalier and Working Cocker Spaniels, Wheaten Terriers, Australian Labradoodles, Portugese Waterdogs, Staffies, French Bulldogs and Dandy Dimnots (amongst others). The prize, however, for having longest breed name goes to Caramel and Cracker, the two Bassett Fauve de Bretagnes who added a wonderful European flavour to the gathering.
It was indeed a gathering worthy of Crufts and we felt very privileged to have such wonderful dogs and equally wonderful (and charitable) owners taking part.
Giles, our professional photographer was hard at work all morning, ensuring that we will have a lasting record of what was a wonderful, touching and celebratory day as the first ever sponsored dog walk held in Kensington Gardens and the first ever sponsored dog walk organised by the Friends.
Finally, a massive thank you to Rathbones for their very generous sponsorship and to all the organisers (you know who you are) for ensuring that the day went as smoothly as it did, without incident, argument or snarling. Indeed the warmth and goodwill of all who took part was palpable and we are already looking forward to next year, for more dog-tails of the unexpected (with apologies to Roald Dahl).
In loving memory of Jac Craig (d. 2018) a beloved friend and volunteer at The Royal Marsden, Chelsea.
Hugely missed by us all.
Commencing at 10am, with staggered starts until 11am, over 80 walkers with some 50 dogs set off on their 2km or 4km stroll around the Gardens. Armed with maps, water and a good dose of energy, both walkers and dogs embraced the day with lots of love and affection between dog owners, dog walkers and the dogs themselves.
There was a mix of breeds from the little to the very large with the smallest being the eponymous 'Tiny' (no prizes for guessing he is a chihuahua) to Quinn, the big boy of the pack who stole the show as the one and only Leonburger. In addition we had the handsome Prince Louis, adorable Coco and simply lovely Lulu who can't go without a mention for being small breeds with big personalities. There were just too many dogs to single out each and every one of them (even though we would love to) but just to give a taster of the day, we had one or more of the following in attendance:
Miniature Schnauzers, Cavapoos, Jack Russells, Beagles, Fox Terriers, Labradors, Schnoodles, Shitzus, Springer, King Charles Cavalier and Working Cocker Spaniels, Wheaten Terriers, Australian Labradoodles, Portugese Waterdogs, Staffies, French Bulldogs and Dandy Dimnots (amongst others). The prize, however, for having longest breed name goes to Caramel and Cracker, the two Bassett Fauve de Bretagnes who added a wonderful European flavour to the gathering.
It was indeed a gathering worthy of Crufts and we felt very privileged to have such wonderful dogs and equally wonderful (and charitable) owners taking part.
Giles, our professional photographer was hard at work all morning, ensuring that we will have a lasting record of what was a wonderful, touching and celebratory day as the first ever sponsored dog walk held in Kensington Gardens and the first ever sponsored dog walk organised by the Friends.
Finally, a massive thank you to Rathbones for their very generous sponsorship and to all the organisers (you know who you are) for ensuring that the day went as smoothly as it did, without incident, argument or snarling. Indeed the warmth and goodwill of all who took part was palpable and we are already looking forward to next year, for more dog-tails of the unexpected (with apologies to Roald Dahl).
In loving memory of Jac Craig (d. 2018) a beloved friend and volunteer at The Royal Marsden, Chelsea.
Hugely missed by us all.
