Muddy Dog Challenge raises over £100,000 for Battersea
Challengers had to wriggle through the mud on the canine crawl to get a medal.
An obstacle course challenge for dogs and their owners has raised over £100,000 for rescue charity Battersea.
The Muddy Dog Challenge saw nearly 800 participants and their dogs take part in a muddy obstacle course at Elms Farm Estate in Stansted, Essex on 28 September.
Following a starting line warm-up, challengers had to weave through the mutt maze, wriggle through the mud of the canine crawl, leap over hurdling hounds and splash through the doggy ball pit.
They were cheered on by friends, family and volunteers as they crossed the finish line, where they received a Muddy Dog Challenge medal and a rosette for their dogs.
The event raised £100,236 for Battersea, which will support them as they provide care for thousands of dogs and cats. It also highlighted Battersea’s ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ campaign, which raised awareness of the charity’s work with rescue dogs.
Among the participants were Charlotte Coward and Daley Mulchansingh, who took part with their five-year-old rescue dog Taos and have raised over £1,000 for Battersea.
Speaking during the event, Daley said: “Taos absolutely loved taking part surrounded by canine friends and dog-lovers alike. He’s a big fan of water and couldn’t get enough of the ball pit splash and he’ll definitely be getting a treat when we get home!”
Battersea’s senior challenge events officer, Jasmine Monk, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who came and took part in the Muddy Dog Challenge with us in Stansted.
“We are so grateful to each and every single person and dog who came along – whether they were taking part, volunteering or cheering their loved ones on. All the money raised will allow Battersea’s dedicated staff to care for the thousands of dogs and cats that need our help.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it without everyone’s support, and it’s been made all the more special as pet lovers have been showing their love for rescues over the past month by supporting Wear Blue for Rescue.”
Further Muddy Dog Challenges will be taking place later this month in Leeds and Tunbridge Wells, however registration to take part is now closed. For more information on these events, or to register for 2024 events, visit the Battersea website.
Image © Dave Bird
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