Top dog’s day out this weekend

Dog lovers will have the chance to show off their pet’s talents once more, at a fun event being held near Aviemore this weekend.

‘Top Dog’s Day Out’ organised by the Highland Council Countryside Rangers and K9 Training and supported by Forestry Commission Scotland and the Cairngorms National Park Authority is back for its seventh year.

On Sunday (29 July) people will have a chance to put their trusty canine through its paces in a variety of activities including a wild and wacky obstacle and obedience course where, alongside normal obstacles, the dogs will have to walk through a line of sausages without eating any

All the action takes place at the Hayfield at Glenmore Forest near Aviemore from 12 noon to 4.00pm. Additional activities include the ever-popular sausage race, balloon race and lots of other activities and interesting stalls including local charities and . There are prizes galore too, all donated by local businesses.

Saranne Bish, The Highland Council Countryside Ranger for Badenoch & Strathspey North, said: “Glenmore is such a great spot for dog-walking and is also the ideal spot to hold our one and only event for dogs and their owners. Everything’s geared towards having fun.

“Dogs are welcome to the Cairngorms National Park all year round, although it’s particularly important to keep them under close control during the summer months to protect our special wildlife.”

Sue Williams from K9 Training added: “With so many activities available to families this is a chance to have fun with your dogs.  They are sociable animals and it is great to see so many having fun together.  There is so much on offer this year not only with the competitions but local charities, training advice as well as a veterinary physiotherapist on site to consult.  It just gets bigger and better.”

This year the obedience course will be split between experienced and inexperienced dogs with prizes for both competitions.

Finally, in honour of a great friend and colleague, the Jim Gillies Memorial Prize will be offered to the dog that the organisers consider has given the most over the course of the event.

The event, open to owners of all dog breeds and spectators begins at 12 noon at the Hayfield which is eight miles east of Aviemore on the Cairngorm ski road. The registration of dogs is from 12 noon to 3pm and the entry fee is £5 per dog.

For further information please contact Saranne Bish on 01479 873 914 or
Duncan Macdonald on 01479 873 706.