On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May, Willen Lake North will once more play host to the local canine community’s calendar highlight – The Big Doggie Do.
Organised by The Parks Trust, the self-financing charity that looks after more than 6,000 acres of parkland in Milton Keynes, The Big Doggie Do is now in its 12th year and runs from 12noon to 5pm on each day.
With lots to see, do and buy, this year’s event has attracted over 30 leading vendors of dog-related goodies including Butternut Box, makers of hand-baked dog-friendly treats, and Rachel Baker, a pet portrait artist. Their stalls will be set up around Willen Lake’s expansive events lawn so that visitors to browse in between viewing a programme of amazing activities.
Those activities include:
- K9 Quackers Duck & Sheepdog Display: This entertaining sheepdog and duck herding display is a favourite of audiences of all ages. Watch how Richard and his sheepdog sidekicks herd the ducks through a variety of obstacles such as the tunnel of doom and the slippery slide.
- K9 Aquasport©: The aquatic dog sport of dock diving, or dock jumping, started in 2000 and is now recognised worldwide. K9 Aqua Sports© will show some of their own incredible jumping dogs in action and offer attending dogs the opportunity to try out the sport.
- Paws For Thought Dog Display Team: Paws For Thought was set up by Stuart Brace, an ex-police dog handler whose are dogs now recognised on the national stage with many high profile appearances under their collars! The talented animals demonstrate their agility and intelligence in races, tricks and games that help owners understand more about the fun to be had training their pets.
- Fun Dog Show sponsored by MK Vet Group: With rosettes and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in 10 categories per day, categories include ‘Best Dressed Dog’, ‘Best Biscuit Catcher’ and ‘Rehomed Rovers’. Entrants can sign up on the day for an entry fee of £1 and all money raised from the dog show will be donated to one of the many charities in attendance. Participating dogs must be over 6m old for safety reasons.
Martin Chesse of The Parks Trust says, “The Big Doggie Do is back with a bark! I am thrilled with our packed programme of activities and extended vendor line up. Last year’s visitors told us they really enjoy learning about the latest helpful dog gadgets or special gifts to pamper their treasured pets. We look forward to welcoming a big crowd to the event and seeing lots of wagging tails at Willen Lake.”
For full details, visit: https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/big-doggie-do/
