Irish celebrities Holly Carpenter, Maia Dunphy and Andrea Hayes have launched 'The Big PAWS' memory walk organised by dog welfare charity Dogs Trust Ireland.
The trio are combining their efforts to raise awareness of the walk, sponsored by PetStop Ireland and 98FM, which will take place in Malahide Castle in Dublin on Saturday, September 30.
Dogs Trust aims to give participants in the walk the opportunity to 'paws' and celebrate the "unique bond" between us and our four-legged friends, given that official funerals are not the done thing for when a beloved furry family member passes.
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Speaking about the September walk, Executive Director of Dogs Trust Suzie Carley said: "We believe it is hugely important to acknowledge and celebrate the role dogs play in our lives.
"When a dog passes away, there is no funeral or ritual to mark their passing. So, we want to give owners the opportunity to celebrate their dog’s life in a meaningful, positive way.
She added: "This magical event is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the incredible bond we have with our dogs while helping to raise vital funds for our work, caring for dogs all across Ireland."
Dogs Trust's Head of Communications Ciara Murran says she hopes the walk on 30 September will give those grieving the loss of a pet dog "a special place of connection" to pay tribute to the unforgettable legacy their presence creates after they are gone.
"Together we will take 'paws' to honour the special place dogs have in our hearts, and the big paws left to fill when they leave our lives."
Standard ticket prices to participate in the walk are €20, children and OAPs can take part for just €5 and dogs can attend for free, though the charity warns that tickets may sell out fast and urges people to purchase them on the event website.
All proceeds will go towards Dogs Trust Ireland's work in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abused and unwanted dogs throughout Ireland.
Last year, Dogs Trust launched the campaign 'Not Just a Dog' which aimed to normalise the expression of grief experienced by an individual after a much-loved dog passes on.
As a result, the charity received an outpouring of grief from its supporters and even managed to convince three companies to change their HR policy to give people paid leave if their dog passes on.
It also launched its 'Puppy Farms are a Life Sentence' campaign last Christmas which aimed to raise awareness of the rampantly cruel and illegal practice of puppy farming in Ireland which produces 30,000 dogs each year, many of which are sold as Christmas presents and promptly abandoned soon after by owners who can no longer handle the dogs.
Further information on The Big Paws memory walk on 30 September can be found on the event website.
