PEDIGREE DOGS UNITE AND TAKE ON BRITAIN’S LONGEST WALK
EVERY dog breed in the UK is set to go on a walk like no other – the equivalent of hiking six marathons. It will be the largest amount of pedigree breeds ever to be involved in such an event – previous record is 185 and we have 216 taking part. The event aims to raise awareness and promote every recognised pedigree dog breed in the UK which raising funds for some great charities.
During September 12-18th 2016, dog owners, breeders, judges and dog show exhibitors will take part in the ground-breaking Pedigree Paws Unite (PPU) event – a series of sponsored walks totalling 160 miles.
All 216 Kennel Club (UK) recognised breeds will be taking part in the event – from Chihuahuas to Irish Wolfhounds and Cocker Spaniels to St Bernards – each walking a minimum of five miles. The sponsored walks will take place in Cambridge, Bath, South Wales, Preston, Belfast, Edinburgh and Darlington.
Louie (Aemilia’s Raphaelo Bombe Blanco) will be representing the Bolognese on the Cambridge walk on Monday 12th September. If you would like to sponsor him, please click through to his fundraising page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LouieandJane
Held under the umbrella of The Peekaboo Trust – the aim is to raise £70,000 for seven charities – Make A Wish Foundation, Belfast Children’s Hospital, National Search and Rescue Dog Association, Dog AID, The Cinnamon Trust, PACT (Parents and children together) and Tŷ Hafan.
The huge event is the brainchild of Crufts 2013 Best in Show winning handler and owner, Gavin Robertson. Gavin and his Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, “Jilly” won the biggest prize in dogs in March 2013. As a result of the pair’s win, he organised Jilly’s Jolly Jaunt, a sponsored walk from Birmingham to London in summer ‘13 which raised £49,000. During this 130 mile walk, Gavin and Jilly were joined by friends including breeds of dog which are classed by the Kennel Club as vulnerable and high profile.
The Best In Show winner and Reserve Best In Show winners from Crufts 2016 will be taking part in this year’s event (Marie Burns and her West Highland White Terrier “Devon” and Charley Donaldson and her Whippet “Hazel”), along with many other well-known breeders, judges and supporters of the UK dog show scene.
Gavin Robertson said: “Jilly’s Jolly Jaunt was a huge success but this time, we wanted to involve every single pedigree breed in the UK – proving that pedigree dogs continue to be happy and healthy and fit for function. During the 12-18th September – the aim is to unite the pedigree dog world. It’s set to be the first time ever that every dog breed in the UK is taking part in the same event. Each and every breed is unique and there is a dog breed to suit everyone – whether it be large or small, short or long coated or suitable for country living.”
Simon Luxmore, the Kennel Club chairman said: We are brought together by our love of dogs, the pleasure we all derive from dogs is endless and immeasurable. They ask for little and give us so much, I would ask of you the same in support of this wonderful charity the PEEK A BOO TRUST whose fund raiser has supported many canine and children’s charities in the last few years. Please join me in Sept on their charity walk to support some of our more ‘needy’ canine friends. Allow this wonderful initiative to bring us together once more for a wonderful cause.
Good luck Louie and Jane…………