Hundreds of dog-lovers and their four-legged companions packed out a historic Aberdeenshire estate yesterday for a local charity’s biggest fundraiser.
Canine re-homing charity Dawgs held its annual fun day at Haddo Country Park in Methlick – and the show was hailed a great success.
The event – Day in the Country With Dawgs – included “seven-legged” races where people and their pets were tied together, and dog shows with a focus on “fun” rather than perfection.
There was also a doggy tea party tent, stalls, games and a barbecue for visitors to enjoy.
And the sun shone brightly for the many visitors to the event on the 18th-century estate, build around the stately Haddo House.
It’s thought that hundreds of pounds was raised for the charity through the event.
Dawgs has found homes for more than 3,000 dogs in the north-east since its foundation in 1994.
Spokeswoman for the charity, Janine Davies, said: “It was so good, the weather was lovely, there was so many people there and it was really well attended.
“There was lots of fun and games, we even had seven-legged races. That was very popular. We also had a dog obstacle race as well which was hilarious.
“It is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. The dog show is all fun and it is not serious whatsoever, we have all shapes and sizes.
“I am sure there were some pedigree dogs there, but that was not the point, it is just the love and the care that counts.
“Everybody who was there basically had a dog. It is a great experience for dogs and children, just to see how dogs behave around others.”
Dawgs find loving families for those who can no longer look after their pets, and it costs roughly £350 to re-home one animal.