Dogs Trust launches memorial walk for grieving dog owners
The memorial walk will take attendees through Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire.
Dogs Trust is to host its first ‘Walk for Our Old Friends’ (WOOF) event this October, to support those who are grieving the loss of a dog.
It follows a survey from the charity which revealed that 89 per cent of UK adults felt losing a pet to be like losing a family member.
Despite these feelings, approximately half of respondents said that they had experienced barriers in expressing their grief. Twenty-two per cent believed that others would not understand their feelings, while 13 per cent could not find the words to open up about how they felt.
Many also felt that their grief would not be understood, with 22 per cent saying others wouldn’t understand their feelings and 12 per cent feeling embarrassed by their levels of distress.
Although 74 per cent said they could turn to close family to share their feelings of grief, only 13 per cent felt they could discuss it with employers and colleagues.
Dogs Trust’s WOOF event hopes to bring together those who have experienced the loss of a dog for a remembrance event. It hopes that attendees will feel comfortable sharing memories of their pet to come to terms with their loss.
A 3.5km walk will take place on Sunday, 6 October 2024 between 4pm-7pm, at Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire. The walk will take attendees through the forest, where there will be opportunities for remembrance and celebration.
The charity will also supply resources for those experiencing loss, as well as those on-site who are supporting them.
Samantha Davis, legacy and in-memory manager at Dogs Trust, said: “The loss of a pet dog can be as devastating as losing a family member. Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, offering unconditional love and companionship, and when they pass away, the grief can be profound and, sadly for some, isolating.
“It's really important that owners who experience the loss of their canine companions can open up and share their feelings with friends and family. Many will find solace in knowing they are not alone."
More details about the WOOF event and online resources can be found here.
Image © Dogs Trust
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