Dogged fundraisers reach new heights

Two dog lovers and their rescue dogs reached the summit of Mount Snowdon after a six-hour trek to raise money for Dogs Trust Salisbury.

Kate Courtnell and her partner, Dan Smith hiked up the highest Mountain in Wales with their dogs Saxon a five-year-old German Shepherd who was rehomed from Dogs Trust Salisbury in 2014 and Shola a six-year old Rottweiler. They have managed to raise £350 from the challenge.

Kate said: “It was great fun, but hard work and we were relieved when it was over! I have been supporting Dogs Trust in Salisbury for many years and this October was the four-year anniversary of adopting Saxon and two years of him living with a condition that affects his pancreas whish he’s coped with really well. It was also Saxon’s fifth birthday so to celebrate all these milestones, we felt that we wanted to give back to the charity that made everything possible and complete a challenge as a family.

“Every dog deserves a great home so whilst the ones without a forever family are waiting at the rehoming centre, I like to do my bit to help make sure they have everything they need.”

Kate started volunteering as a kennel and events assistant in 2013 and has made Dogs Trust her charity of choice for the last six year both at home and at work.

She added: “I think I am still aching from the climb, but we are both so proud to be associated with the charity and help them work towards their mission.”

Lucy Hooper, Supporter Relations Officer at Dogs Trust Salisbury, said: “We are so grateful for everything Kate and Dan do for us and we really appreciate the incredible effort they have put into this incredible challenge. Climbing Snowdon is no easy feat. All of the money raised by Kate and Dan will help us to care for our amazing dogs whilst they wait to be adopted.”

For more information on Dogs Trust Salisbury you can visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.