Hundreds of sausage dogs gather for paw-some charity walk

Dachshund owners from across England flocked to Southwold for the charity walk Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

Approximately 400 Dachshunds travelled from across the country to take part in the walk along the beach on October 7 – with visitors from as far as Norfolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and London.

As well as providing an opportunity for Dachshund owners and their pets to socialise, the event was held in aid of the charity Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD, which loans equipment to sausage dogs recovering from a nasty spinal ailment called Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Percy, Laura Baggott's sausage dog, who was diagnosed with IVDD in June Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

Headed by co-organisers Heidi Ginger and Laura Baggott, the team were thrilled to raise more than £1,200 in donations.

Ms Ginger said the event was inspired by a very special sausage dog who had been struck down by IVDD earlier this year.

Approximately 400 Dachshunds attended the event in Southwold Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

“The reason we choose this charity for our walk is because six-year-old Percy, who is the sausage dog that belongs to Laura, was diagnosed with IVDD in June this year.

“Percy is making a great recovery and the charity had been kind enough to loan Laura a stroller while Percy can only walk a short distance until he gets better. They have also offered Laura lots of support and advice.

Co-organiser Heidi Ginger's sausage dog, who took part in the sponsored walk Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

“Our walk again had a massive turnout, with approximately 400 sausage dogs attending, including those that had suffered with IVDD or those in recovery.

“We raised just over £1,200 with donations, as well as doing a raffle which had some fantastic prizes, all of which were donated to us.

Hundreds turned out for the event at Southwold Pier Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

“Again we have Adnams Sole Bay Brewery in Southwold to thank for being our main sponsor for the event.”

It is not the first time sausage dogs have gathered in Southwold – the team have held two events previously, one in December 2017 and another on Easter Saturday this year.

Hundreds of dogs from across the country took part in the event Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

Organisers were even rewarded with a gold plaque commemorating Easter’s event, displayed pride of place next to the beach.

Ms Ginger added that there are likely more so-called ‘Sausage Walks’ to come – so Dachshund lovers should keep their eyes peeled.

The event was held in aid of Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD Picture: Dachshund owners from across England flocked to Southwold for the charity walk Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

“We plan on doing a fancy dress Christmas Walk and will announce details on our Facebook page in due course,” she said.

A range of sausage dogs from across the country gathered for the sponsored walk Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)

Heidi Ginger and Laura Baggott, co-organisers of the Southwold Sausage Walk Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK (Image: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK)