Paw-some! Doggos and humans turn out for Big Weymouth Walkies

HUNDREDS of residents and visitors - of the human and the four legged variety - put their best paw forward for the second ‘Big Weymouth Walkies’ event.

The mass dog walk - organised by Dave Cumber Vets - saw over 500 dog owners, families and friends turn out to walk the length of Weymouth beach with their dogs - all 250 of them.

The event raised money for the Cinnamon Trust, a charity that supports pet owners who are elderly or terminally ill.

It was also the last Sunday that dogs were officially allowed on the entire stretch of Weymouth Beach: in 2016 a decision made by the now-defunct Weymouth & Portland Borough Council reduced the period of time that dogs are allowed to be exercised on some areas of the beach.

Dogs are not allowed on the area of Weymouth beach area between Greenhill Groyne and the pier end of Weymouth beach from Good Friday April 19  – October 31 inclusive.

Dave Cumber, owner of Dave Cumber Vets said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed just how many people turned up to join us on the Weymouth Walkies event again this year.

“It was wonderful to see so many types of dogs, breeds and ages all in one place, with people travelling from Bristol, Southampton and all over Dorset just to come to the event.

“I really hope we can repeat the Weymouth Walkies next year. I would like to thank my wonderful team who really worked very hard before and during the event, I am very proud of them.”

The staff from Dave Cumber Vets hosted a cake stall with all proceeds going to the Cinnamon Trust, and refreshments were served at Auntie Vi’s beach kiosk in Brunswick Terrace.

The cake stall and other fundraising games raised £200 for the Cinnamon Trust which runs a network of 15,000 volunteers who ‘hold hands’ with pet owners who are ill, and help to provide vital loving care for their pets.

Other pet friendly businesses supported the event, CC Moore and Pet Experience donated vouchers and dog treats, Dog Friendly Social attended the event, together with Bella Ceramics, Forever Hounds Trust, Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Hills Pet Nutrition,  Nowzad – Winning the war for animals, Wessex Assisting Dogs and the Flyball team who organised demonstrations and trial agility routes.

For more information visit www.davecumbervets.co.uk or facebook.com/davecumbervets