Happy trails and Wag-gy tails on first walk of 2023
THERE were plenty of waggy tails as dogs and their owners went on the first Wag walk of 2023 on Sunday.
The series of 10 charity walks are organised by charity WAG, Well-being Animals Guernsey, with the aims of helping dogs to socialise and raising money for the charity’s work.
Wag chairwoman Marguerite Talmage was there with her 12-year-old chocolate Labrador Sunny. This is the sixth year the walks have been held.
‘This is about promoting what we do and raising funds,’ she said.
‘But it’s also a way of socialising dogs and meeting new dogs.’
The charity has about 30 charity dogs, which visit the PEH wards, care homes and schools.
Mrs Talmage said the dogs helped people in different ways.
With people with dementia, stroking a dog can help reignite memories. With children it can help give them confidence with their reading, as they can read to the dog.
‘Dogs just give unconditional love,’ she said.
‘They break down barriers.’
The Lt-Governor’s wife, Louise Cripwell, was there with WAG honorary president, 11-year-old retriever Mustard, who was keen to greet all the dogs on the walk and give a few excited woofs.
Mrs Cripwell said this was their second year taking part.
‘Mustard loves it,’ she said.
‘I normally mainly walk along the coastline, so this helps me find new walks.’
The WAG dogs work until they are 10 years old, and 10-year-old springer spaniel Rosie is a retired WAG dog.
Owner Marian Root has been taking part in the WAG walks since they started.
‘I enjoy them, as you meet new people and it’s very social,’ she said. ‘And Rosie enjoys it.’
There are 10 walks talking place, abd a passport for the season costs £10. However, people can join the walks at any time.
The next walk starts from the Saumarez Park’s rear car park on Sunday, with the options of a long or short walk. It starts at 2pm.
n For more information visit ww.wag.org.gg/10-weeks-10-parishes-begins-on-sunday-17th-september-2023/.
