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A troop of giant tail waggers have been out in full fur-ce in town this week for a very special reason.
In the second furry gathering of its kind, over 20 Newfoundlands, Leonbergers and Pyrenean Mountain dogs, and their owners - together known as the 'Big Dog Club' - this week strutted their paws, and got cuddled, helping raise £600 for the NSPCC.
But this year it wasn't just local gentle giants joining in the fun - they brought along some doggy friends from the UK, who are in the island for 'draught testing'.
The draught tests are a combination of obedience and teamwork for the dogs and their handlers to negotiate obstacles and different terrains. The dogs also draw little carriages, and a couple of them brought their finest ones along for the walk in town.
Video: The doggy team raised money 'fur' the NSPCC, a charity focused on children's wellbeing.
The Big Dog Club says that last year's walk proved very popular with islanders, so much so that they decided to organise another outing. The furry group, who were all on their best behaviour, attracted a lot of attention in town this week, with islanders young and old reaching out to pet the gentle giants.
The funds raised will be spent on ongoing projects undertaken by the children's charity.
Julie O’Brien, NSPCC Jersey fundraising committee member, said she was "delighted" the furry friends flocked to town to raise money for them for a second time.
"It’s quite a sight seeing so many large breed dogs strolling down the street together, and the children, in particular, love meeting the dogs. Without the support from events like this the work NSPCC Jersey does to help keep children safe from abuse simply wouldn’t be possible.”
A quick update for you. Around £600 was raised for NSPCC Jersey. It’s a fantastic amount.
Jacky Moon, Service Centre Manager for NSPCC Jersey, added: “NSPCC Jersey is really grateful to the Jersey Big Dog Club for holding this fundraising walk for the second year running. It’s a fabulous sight seeing so many large-breed dogs walk through St. Helier and members of the public were delighted to see them walking with their owners.
"The work of NSPCC Jersey wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our fundraisers, supporters and volunteers. Our staff support people preparing for parenthood with our antenatal service Baby Steps and offer a therapeutic service called Letting the Future In for children and young people who have been affected by sexual abuse. As well as this our Schools Service team go into primary schools across the Island delivering Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies and workshops that empower children to know the different kinds of abuse, spot the signs and identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they are concerned.”
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