St Catherine’s Bark in the Park goes virtual for 2020

Agility dogs at last year's Bark in the Park — Bark in the Park usually takes place in the hospice’s grounds

Rescue dog Pablo and his new four-legged friend Reggie are just two of the pooches taking part in this month’s ‘Virtual Bark in the Park’ dog walk for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The Lostock Hall charity usually hosts the pet-friendly Bark in the Park fun day in its grounds. This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the hospice is inviting supporters to take to the streets with their furry friends in a two-mile sponsored walk on a day of their choice in September.

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Kelly Thomson, from Longton, and her friend Rebecca Verdonkschot, from Hutton, are teaming up to do their very own version of the fundraising challenge with four-month-old Pablo and two-year-old Reggie.

Kelly Thomson and Rebecca Verdonkschot with Pablo and Reggie — Kelly Thomson and Rebecca Verdonkschot are taking part in the St Catherine’s Hospice Virtual Bark in the Park sponsored walk with Pablo and Reggie

Kelly, who works at the hospice and sees what a difference the charity makes to local people, said: “We’ve been training throughout the month and generating sponsorship as we go along – we’ve decided to do a lap around our local park for every £1 people donate.

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“Pablo is Rebecca’s dog and was rescued by Noah’s Ark Pastures New Adoptions; he’s only been with Rebecca since August and is still a little timid and finding his feet, so all the socialising with Reggie is great for him!

“Reggie is really mischievous and has so much energy, so the training his doing him loads of good and tiring him out, which is a bonus at the end of the day!

“We’re having lots of fun on our walks and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support, it’s nice to have a goal in mind when we’re out in the fresh air and getting some exercise, knowing that we’re helping the hospice by doing something we enjoy.”

Registration is £3 and each dog will receive a special dog tag in the post.

There’s also a St Catherine’s Bark in the Park photo contest with prizes up for grabs for Cutest Pup, Fancy Dress, Handsome Boy, Prettiest Girl, and Golden Oldie.

For more details and to get involved visit the St Catherine’s website or call 01772 629171.

Will you be getting involved with your four-legged friend? Let us know in the comments below