Celebrating our 15th Anniversary
Celebrating 15 Years of Dorset Dogs
Dorset Dogs has grown since 2009, from what was a unique first and one of a kind funded project, to our approach becoming a model that others have followed across the UK. Over the last 14 years it has taken the dedication and hard work of a very small team, starting with just one Dorset Dogs Officer and the support and goodwill of the dog community and land managers we work with, plus dog businesses, charities and conservation and countryside organisations.
It’s not been without its challenges and like most organisations we had to adapt during the pandemic and find different and innovative ways of working but Dorset Dogs has always been here, trying to ensure dog owners get the best possible deal in terms of access and championing positive management, whilst also looking after Dorset’s beautiful landscapes where we enjoy walking with our dogs and protecting the wildlife that calls it home.
We are so very proud to be celebrating 15 years of Dorset Dogs and we look forward to pawtying with our friends and supporters.
Introducing our Dorset Dogs’ mascot ‘Patch’ in our 15th Anniversary video
The Dorset Dogs Team and some independent judges from our friends at the Dorset Heaths Partnership, Bird and Recreation Initiative and Firewise UK spent a long time deliberating – it was a really difficult decision and we all had different favourites!
But we’re very excited to reveal the chosen name in a special project for our 15th Anniversary!
15th Anniversary Waggy Walks
Dorset has some paw-fect places for your dogs to explore.
Back by popular demand are our Guided Walkies and for this year to celebrate our anniversary we’re excited to introduce a series of ’15th Anniversary Waggy Walks’ – booking details to follow soon. Join us for a free, friendly and sociable walk and discover Dorset on your doorstep and pick up a 15th Anniversary Dorset Dogs bandana.
June 22 at Upton Country Park (sold out)
Tuesday 6 August at Hengistbury Head (early morning time TBC)
Saturday 21 September at Sika Trail, Wareham Forest with Forestry England (10.30)
Saturday 19 October at Ham Common and Lake Pier with Emily from the Bird and Recreation Initiative (time TBC depending on tides).
In the meantime brush up on the Doggy Do Code, grab their lead and head out with your four legged friend. There are some great places to walk on our Out and About page.
15th Anniversary Event
We’ve got some great things lined up this year and some special announcements – we’re really looking forward to celebrating with you all!
Join us for a very special Pitstop to celebrate the 15 years of Dorset Dogs!
Grab a free Doggy Goody Bag and strike a pawsome pose in our pop up 15th Anniversary selfie frame. Our free Doggy Tombola will be back with a chance to win a Dorset Dogs 15th Anniversary bandana. We’ll be cutting the cake for our four legged friends at 12.00.
Happy Birthday from our friends and colleagues
We couldn’t do our work without the support from volunteers and may colleagues from dog and countryside organisations.
Thank you for all your messages (which you can watch on our social media channels).
Professional Dog Walkers Charter
This year we have launched our Professional Dog Walkers Charter
Introducing our 15th Anniversary Dorset Dog of the Year – Rebel
At the first Heath and Harbour Hullabaloo Fun Dog Show we were looking for our 15th Anniversary Dorset Dog of the Year. A dedicated Dorset Dogs who follows the Doggy Do Code, a committed Coastwise Canines, a Heathland Hound Hero, a K9 Firewise Patrol Pups, a Four Paw Litter picking Legends or a Wildlife Friendly Walking Woofs!
Our judges for this category were very impressed with Rebel’s family’s knowledge of the Doggy Do Code and wildlife friendly walking.
Rebel is a 5 year old German Shepherd and retired police dog who worked as a general purpose dog with Dorset Police.
Unfortunately, he only served for a year before being diagnosed with spondylosis, which resulted in his early retirement.
After retirement he was rehomed with a family in Poole where he now is a much loved family pet. He enjoys walks, chasing balls and he also loves shopping and visits to the pub , anywhere he can be the centre of attention! Rebel is supported by the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals.
Join Dorset Dogs
To celebrate our 15th Anniversary we’ll be adding a very special bandana to our membership pack for all new joiners.
If you agree with the Dorset Dogs way of thinking why take a look at the Doggy Do Code and not join up as a member for FREE – to get some great Dorset Dogs information and merchandise.
