‘The BIG Paws’ – Ireland’s first dog memory walk

To celebrate the unique bond between dogs and their owners, Dogs Trust Ireland has announced plans to create the missing ritual and meaningful marker when a much-loved dog passes away.

Dog lovers are being invited to join the charity and take part in ‘The Big Paws’ evening walk at Malahide Castle in North County Dublin on Saturday September 30. The walk will be lit up to create a reflective, uplifting experience for people to come together to honour the dogs in their lives, both past and present. There are also options to take part in community events taking place throughout the country or to mark the occasion in a personal way - via the charity’s website DogsTrust.ie/Event.

Last year, Dogs Trust launched ‘Not Just a Dog’, a campaign that 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.

While the event is dog friendly, tickets are limited and those bringing dogs are asked to ensure their furry friends are well socialised, comfortable with other dogs, children and familiar with large crowds of people.

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.

Dogs Trust is very grateful to PetStop Ireland, which is proudly sponsoring the event, and 98FM as their media partner for The Big Paws.