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Bumper Southwold Sausage Walk attracts 500 four-legged friends and raises £1,300 for dachshund charity
Dog lovers travelled from all over the country to take part in the walk. Picture: JESSIE BYFORD - Credit: Archant
It was wagging tails all round at the Southwold Sausage Walk on Easter Saturday when hundreds of dog lovers gathered for a celebration of their beloved dachshunds.
Rolo (in the red collar/jumper), who is normally a nervous walker, had a wonderful time with nephew Ronnie. Picture: STEPHANIE PATIENCE - Credit: Archant
Scores of people accompanied by roughly 500 four-legged friends attended the event on Southwold beach on Saturday, March 31.
As well as serving as an opportunity for both dogs and owners to mingle. the walk raised a huge £1,300 for The Red Foundation – Emergency Dachshund Rescue UK.
Lily, the 14-year-old blind and deaf miniature dachshund, having a cuddle with her dad. Picture: HAYLEY SAWYER - Credit: Archant
Organisers Heidi Ginger and Laura Baggott said they were delighted with the result, and completely blown away by the event’s popularity.
Ms Ginger said: “We are absolutely thrilled at how our event went yesterday, so many people turned up with their sausage dogs, as well as siblings of other breeds. We gave up counting the dogs after 400, but we think all together we were looking more towards 500.
Roughly 500 dogs took part in the walk, with families travelling from all over the country. Picture: UK AERIAL - Credit: Archant
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“Laura Baggott and I are so grateful for the support that we received, we couldn’t have asked for a better day and we were so lucky with the weather. We saw lots of wagging tails and smiling faces, everyone was so happy.”
Organisers were even rewarded with a gold plaque commemorating the event, displayed pride of place next to the beach.
Amber, Charlie and Maisie enjoying their day out. Picture: MELANIE HARMER - Credit: Archant
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The walk was initially put in jeapordy when Waveney District Council demanded a £300 deposit and £5million insurance cover prior to the event.
However when a saviour sponsor came to the rescue in the form of popular Southwold shop Adnams Sole Bay Brewery, the walk was back on track.
Walter enjoyed dressing up for the big walk. Picture: HEIDI GINGER - Credit: Archant
Organisers were also concerned that palm oil which has washed up on Suffolk’s beaches in recent weeks may prove a threat to inquisitive dogs.
Luckily, there were no problems on the day, and any anxieties were eased by organisers doing a trial walk prior to the big event.
Hundeds of sausage dogs turned up to take part and meet new friends. Picture: RICHARD POYNTON - Credit: Archant
The walk lasted roughly 45 minutes, and ran from the Harbour Quay East car park to the fifth wooden groyne past the Gunhill Beach Kiosk and back again.
As a precaution, walkers were accompanied by marshalls and first aiders to keep the dogs safe.
The sausage dogs walked from the Harbour Quay East car park to the fifth wooden groyne past the Gunhill Beach Kiosk and back again. Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK - Credit: Archant
It’s likely Southwold hasn’t seen the last of the sausages, as Ms Ginger added: “There is great demand for us to do another one later in the year, so watch this space.”
Sausage dogs arrived wearing all kinds of costumes. Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK - Credit: Archant
Organisers Heidi Ginger and Laura Baggott wearing their special high vis jackets. Picture: #SOUTHWOLDSAUSAGEWALK - Credit: Archant
11-month-old Buxton was one of the biggest sausages on the beach. Picture: JACQUELINE FRENCH - Credit: Archant
Hundreds of dogs and their owners met up for the walk. Picture: JESSIE BYFORD - Credit: Archant
Ralph had to take a little pit stop during the walk to regain his strength after having spinal surgery last June. He loved the day regardless. Picture: KATIE MARKHAM - Credit: Archant
