Pub to host dog walk in aid of retired police dog charity

After its first dog walk was hailed a barking success, a Wiltshire pub is getting ready to host its second community walkies in aid of charity.

The White Horse Inn, Compton Bassett, will be hosting its second charity dog walk on Saturday July 19 in aid of WAGS, which supports owners of retired police dogs across Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire police forces. The event has been rescheduled from Saturday 12 July to Saturday 19 July due to the predicted hot weather.

The aim of the initiative is to pawfectly bring together local dog walkers for a fun, social outing within one of Wiltshire’s areas of outstanding natural beauty for a morning of fresh air, exercise, and local knowledge on the area.

The walking group will meet at 9.30am at The White Horse Inn to kick-start the outing with homemade bacon baps and a hot drink for a suggested donation of £5, or more, per walker with the proceeds going to the retired police dog charity, WAGS. The dog walk will leave the pub at 10am for a four-mile excursion around the stunning countryside surrounding Compton Bassett, back in time for 12pm should walkers like to stay for a spot of lunch – dogs welcome too, of course!

The White Horse Inn’s General Manager, Ash Harlow, says he’s looking forward to the next group outing. Speaking of the initiative, he said: “The first dog walk in April was a great success – everyone had a lovely time exploring the local area with their dogs, and we raised some money for a fantastic cause in the process. As a dog-friendly pub, and a dog owner myself, we love showing customers the local walks in the area, and this is a great way to kick-start the weekend.

“A customer recommended WAGS for our next dog walking fundraiser, and we’re more than happy to support the great work they do. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone along!”

WAGS supports owners of retired police dogs with large vet bills after police dogs retire. During the course of their career, many of the police dogs will sustain injuries in the line of duty which can often have long-terms impacts which require anything from regular check-ups to physiotherapy.

As handlers form a very close bond with their dogs, many of which are not suitable to be rehomed to normal domestic environments, the handler will often rehome their companion themselves. Unfortunately, this means they will incur the necessary and costly vet bills. Thanks to WAGS and its supporters, the charity is able to assist with these costs, helping to enhance the quality of life for both the dog and their owner.

Emma Young, Marketing Coordinator on behalf of WAGS Retired Police Dogs, said: “We're incredibly grateful to The White Horse Inn for choosing to support WAGS Retired Police Dogs with the proceeds from their upcoming charity dog walk.

“WAGS is a dedicated charity that supports the ongoing care and well-being of retired police dogs after they’ve completed their service. We support dogs that have served and retired from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon and Somerset police. These loyal dogs spent their lives protecting our communities and often face health issues in retirement.

“Your support of this event will help cover vital medical costs and ensure these four-legged heroes get the care and comfort they deserve”

For interested parties wanting to register their interest in the upcoming dog walk, the award-winning pub has set up a Facebook event page.

To attend the charity dog walk, a donation of £5 – or more – per walker is kindly suggested for a hot drink and bacon bap – a vegetarian option can be available upon request – which will be donated to WAGS.

For further information about The White Horse Inn, please visit: www.whitehorse-comptonbassett.co.uk

For further information about WAGS please visit: https://wagsretiredpolicedogs.co.uk/