Test your pooch’s skills at our Bark in the Park obstacle course

Dog-lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to try out an exciting agility obstacle course at next weekend’s Bark in the Park – just one attraction at a fantastic day of pet-friendly fun.

Preston Agility Dogs (PADs) will be showcasing their skills and techniques at the event in St Catherine’s Park on Saturday 23rd September between 10am and 3pm.

Visitors can take the opportunity to see how their pooch fares on the course, enter their dogs into a talent contest with categories to suit all breeds, sizes and ages – from Cutest Puppy to Golden Oldie; Waggiest Tail to Best Rescue – and raise vital funds for the hospice through a sponsored dog walk.

Other attractions on the day include a host of pet-friendly stalls, while Pinewood Vets will be on hand offering micro-chipping and expert advice. An amazing raffle prize donated by Pet’s Choice will also see one lucky dog win a year’s supply of food and treats worth more than £900.

Ian Routh from PADs said: “This is the sixth year we’ve worked with St Catherine’s to host this great day out, but it’s the first time it’s being held in the hospice grounds, so we’re all really excited about that.

“It’s an event which we really look forward to each year – especially the 2.5-mile sponsored dog walk, which this year sets off at 12 noon from the butterfly gate within St Catherine’s Park, making its way through the grounds and around Lostock Hall. We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of animal-lovers to enjoy this great family day out in aid of a worthy cause.”

The sponsored walk costs £5 per dog on the day, with funds raised going towards the specialist palliative and end-of-life care offered at the hospice and in people’s own homes by St Catherine’s.

The Mill café and community hub will be open as usual, and The Mill Outside – the catering service associated with the popular café – will be set up in the grounds serving up a tasty barbecue.

Hospice fundraiser Emma Jacovelli said: “It’s fantastic that we’re bringing Bark in the Park into our own grounds this year. People really enjoy trying their hand at the agility obstacle courses, and we’re delighted with the donation by Pet’s Choice of a year’s supply of dog food – what an amazing prize!

“We’re looking forward to seeing our grounds filled with wagging tails as members of the community show their support for St Catherine’s and celebrate our furry four-legged friends!”

Timetable of the agility displays and talent contests:

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