Sign up for the world’s biggest virtual dog walk

The World Big Dog Walk challenge is taking place this month and, like many other charity events, it’s gone virtual!
Pawsome pals...these pooches have already signed up for the World Big Dog Walk this month but they need our readers help to raise funds too.Pawsome pals...these pooches have already signed up for the World Big Dog Walk this month but they need our readers help to raise funds too.
Pawsome pals...these pooches have already signed up for the World Big Dog Walk this month but they need our readers help to raise funds too.

Usually, the Big Dog Walk is held in Chatelherault Country Park in Lanarkshire.

But, due to Covid-19, the organisers have decided to invite dog owners from all over Scotland to take part this year.

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The aim is to raise thousands of pounds for dog-related chariies.

Animal charities have suffered terribly this year due to the pandemic but dogs and their owners can make a big difference, simply by signing up for the walk.

Nicole Cooper, managing director of the Big Dog Walk series, said: “2020 has been a tough year for humans and dogs. Dog charities have been suffering throughout this world heath crisis.

“So we are asking our pawsome dog walking community to get out in their own area – be that in a field near their home or even around the block on their regular walkies – and pledge a distance they and their pup will walk during the month of September to raise money for the dogs we all love.

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“According to The Institute of Fundraising, charities are expecting a 24 per cent reduction in total income for the year, which equates to a £12.4 billion loss.

“This loss of income could potentially devastate many animal charities, where lives are often, quite literally, hanging in the balance.

“The World Big Dog Walk aims to make a difference, by calling upon the dog walking community to come together to raise valuable funds for man’s best friend.”

Organisers are aiming to amass 40,075km – the circumference of the earth.

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Once the miles start clocking up, Pip, the walk’s virtual dog, will start his journey around the world map.

It will be updated in real time on the website depicting the miles walked by fundraisers. His aim is to lap the entire world, at least once!

Dog walkers can make pledges to walk a certain distance or raise a target amount for one of the canine charities featured on the website, or a charity of their choice.

It is free to get involved but all monies raised will go directly to charities that support dogs in need.

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Nick Daniel, marketing director at Dogs Trust, said: “We’re relying on the generosity of the dog-loving public to help us through these uncertain times.”

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