Time for walkies at Leads Castle
Four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes were given a special treat on Sunday, as they got to explore part of a Maidstone attraction usually off limits. The VIPs - very important pooches - were able to go inside the restricted area of Leeds Castle’s grounds as part of Guide Dog Maidstone’s Big Dog Walk. The charity event attracted scores of pet owners, despite a weather warning for rain being in force.
Community fundraiser, Kate Hunter, said: “We were a bit wary of the Met Office forecast beforehand and nearly cancelled the event.
“But in the end we braved it. The clouds went away, the sun shone and we managed to raise more than £3,000.”
This is the third year Guide Dogs Maidstone has run its Big Dog Walk at Leeds Castle, which celebrates its 900th anniversary this year. The organisation, based at James Whatman Court, is currently responsible for 257 guide dogs in Kent and Sussex, and the money raised at the event will go towards training and finding homes for them. Sunday’s walk was organised to coincide with the 88th anniversary of the training of the first four British guide dogs in 1931.
Mrs Hunter added: “It was a really good morning, there’s a great atmosphere every year and everyone really enjoyed themselves.
“There were some great looking dogs out walking as well, there were pugs, Dalmations and all sorts of breeds.
“We did a walk about eight years ago but decided to stop it. Then people were ringing up saying ‘please bring it back’. Since we have it’s been a big hit.”