Top Dog’s Day Out, Glenmore Forest, 28 July

Sausage race, musical downs and a test-your-dog’s-nose challenge will be on offer at the 'Top Dog’s Day Out' near Aviemore next Sunday, 28 July.

Now a regular in the local calendar of events, this popular day is back for its eighth year. It is organised by the Forestry Commission, Highland Council Countryside Rangers, and K9 Training.

The event is open to owners of all dog breeds keen to show off their pet’s talents and spectators. It takes place on Sunday (July 28th) between 12 noon and 4pm at The Hayfield. Registration of dogs is from 12 noon (first come, first served) and costs £5 per dog.

Both experienced and inexperienced dog handlers will have a chance to put their trusty canine through its paces in a variety of activities. This includes 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!

There will be lots of activities for children, and interesting doggy themed stalls. There are prizes galore too – all donated by local businesses. In honour of a great friend and colleague, the Jim Gillies Memorial Prize will also be offered to the dog that the organisers consider has given the most over the course of the event.

Saranne Bish, Highland Council Countryside Ranger for Badenoch & Strathspey North, Planning and Development Service at The Highland Council, said: “We’re so excited about this year’s programme – it’s our busiest yet! Our Facebook page has been really popular, with its regular updates from Sue from K9 Training so we’re expecting a bumper crowd. We’re really looking forward to welcoming new faces, as well as our ever increasing band of regulars.”

Miranda Geoghegan, Forestry Commission Ranger, added: “With so many people already enjoying taking their dog for a walk here, Glenmore is the ideal place to hold the Strath’s biggest doggy event. Our fun packed programme and wonderful prizes will make it a brilliant day out for all dogs and their owners.

“The Cairngorms National Park Authority has been great in helping us out as well. Dogs are welcome in the Park all year round, although it’s particularly important to keep them under close control during the summer months to protect our special wildlife.”

The event will be held at The Hayfield, close to Glenmore Visitor Centre, eight miles east of Aviemore on the Cairngorm ski road.

For further information please contact:
Saranne Bish, Highland Council Countryside Ranger, Badenoch & Strathspey North, Tel: 01479 873 914
Duncan Macdonald, Highland Council Countryside Ranger, Badenoch & Strathspey South, Tel: 01479 873 706
Miranda Geoghegan, Recreation Ranger, Forestry Commission Scotland, Glenmore Forest Park Tel: 01479 861 220, e-mail: miranda.geoghegan@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

–ENDS–