Walk your dog and help an animal charity

A national charity is to hold a dog walk in Scotland next weekend.

Pets As Therapy is hosting the charity event on Saturday, 22 September.

Outdoor clothing and equipment suppliers Orvis Edinburgh are supporting this exciting event by providing a meeting point and guide for the walk, and hosting a reception at the store, at 19 Hope Street, Edinburgh, after the walk to say a huge thank you to all participants.

Dogs and their owners will be treated to a doggie wash station, complimentary refreshments and a goodie bag to take away.

There will also be a dedicated member of the PAT team available to provide information and advice on how to become a PAT volunteer.

Pets As Therapy provides a visiting service in hospitals, hospices, care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues across the UK.

Their trusted volunteers and temperament assessed pets help to enhance peoples’ lives and tackle loneliness in our communities by providing friendship and companionship to those in need. They also help those suffering from debilitating mental and physical health conditions such as autism, dementia and stroke as part of a holistic approach to treatment.

The walk is designed to raise awareness about the great work undertaken by PAT and to educate people on the process of becoming a PAT volunteer, whilst enjoying a great day out with your pooch and like-minded dog lovers.

Registering for the walk is free, a suggested donation of £5 can be made in one of three ways: pay a donation directly to Orvis Edinburgh, via JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/petsastherapy, or send a cheque to Pets As Therapy Head Office (59 Monument Business Park, Warpsgrove Lane, Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, OX44 7RW).

Check-in will begin at 9.30am, with the walk taking place between 10am-noon. The route will be approximately three miles and accessible for people (and dogs) of varying abilities.

Everyone is welcome to go along and join in the fun, whilst supporting the work of Pets As Therapy.

Those wanting to take part should register online beforehand to ensure a place on the walk. Register on Eventbrite at patdogwalk.eventbrite.co.uk. Be sure to select the correct area, as there will be four walks taking place across the country.

Deborah Dow, CEO of Pets As Therapy, added: ‘Pets As Therapy are incredibly grateful for the support of Orvis and are looking forward to welcoming dog walkers and spectators from the local area for this very special event.’