To celebrate the unique bond between dogs and their owners, Dogs Trust Ireland 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’ on the evening of Saturday, September 30th.
Dogs Trust is calling on the people of Fermoy and Mitchelstown to hold community events or to mark the occasion in a personal way and all details can be found on the charity’s website DogsTrust.ie/Event.
Last year, Dogs Trust launched ‘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.
‘INCREDIBLE BOND’
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. 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.”
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.
