Dogs Trust invites dog lovers in County Kildare to honour their beloved late pets

Dogs Trust has invited dog lovers all across County Kildare to honour their beloved late pets through an upcoming event.

The organisation has announced plans to create a safe space with fellow dog lovers to acknowledge the loss of your beloved furry friend, by walking in their honour.

Dog lovers are being invited to join the charity and take part in 'The Big Paws' event.

The charity is calling on the people of Kildare to hold community events or to mark the occasion in a personal way and all details can be found on its website: www.DogsTrust.ie/Event.

Speaking about 'The Big Paws', Suzie Carley, Executive Director of Dogs Trust Ireland, said: "We believe it is hugely important to acknowledge and celebrate the role dogs play in our lives.

"When a dog passes away, there is no funeral or ritual to mark their passing, so we want to give owners the opportunity to celebrate their dog’s life in a meaningful, positive way."

She added: "This campaign is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the incredible bond we have with our dogs while helping to raise vital funds for our work, caring for dogs across Ireland."

Last year, Dogs Trust launched its 'Not Just a Dog', a campaign which aimed to normalise talking about the grief experienced when a much-loved dog passes on.

As a result, the charity received an outpouring of grief from its supporters, highlighting the importance for an event where dog lovers can take 'paws' and reflect on the indelible mark dogs make in their lives.

All those taking part are being encouraged by Dogs Trust to share photographs of their experience on social media using the hashtag #TheBigPaws to show how many people in Ireland value the huge impact dogs have on so many aspects of our lives.

'The Big Paws' is being supported by PetStop Ireland and 98FM, and it will take place on the evening of Saturday, September 30. 

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ABOUT DOG'S TRUST IRELAND

According to Dogs Trust, it has been working in Ireland since 2005 and believes that 'every dog deserves to live a safe, healthy and happy life.'

Management at Dogs Trust added: "We won’t rest until we make Ireland a safe and happy place for dogs, so we never have to let any dog down.

"Through our national responsible dog ownership campaigns and education programs, we’re here for all dogs and the people who love them."

As of publication, the charity currently 287 dogs in its care.

Dogs Trust rehomes dogs all around the country via their regional rehoming program.