Battersea raises thousands at the first ever Muddy Dog Challenge in Exeter

Over 700 animal lovers and their dogs came together at Powderham Castle in Exeter last weekend (Saturday 13 April) to take part in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Muddy Dog Challenge. The event, which is proudly supported by Seresto flea and tick control collar, has raised around £70,000 so far, which will go towards the vital care of the thousands of homeless animals that Battersea helps every year. 

It was the first time the Muddy Dog Challenge has come to Exeter which involves participants and their dogs jumping, crawling and wading through various fun obstacles. 

Those taking part included Kevin Harvey from Buckfastleigh who ran with his four-year-old Golden Labrador, Maisie. Kevin was diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease and went through two kidney transplants, and during this time, Maisie faithfully sat by Kevin’s side keeping him company and helping his recovery. Kevin said: “I wanted to do something amazing for a charity who deserve it. I have friends who have adopted their pets from Battersea and the work and the support they give is second to none.”

Other participants included Stephen Murphy and Amber, a Patterdale Border Terrier. Stephen adopted Amber from a local rescue centre when she was five years old and she is now a fully-fledged service dog. Amber visits service men and women and provides therapy to those suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Stephen and Amber regularly take part in many charity events together to raise as much money for various charities – including Battersea. 

Battersea’s Challenge Events Officer, Jasmine Monk, said: “Battersea’s Muddy Dog Challenge took place in the beautiful Powderham Castle in Exeter for the very first time with hundreds of dog lovers and their dogs all coming together to conquer our fun obstacles. We’ve raised around £70,000 so far which will help us care for thousands of abandoned and stray dogs and cats inside and outside of our centres.

“We just want to say thank you to everyone who took part in the Muddy Dog Challenge, and to those who volunteered, we couldn’t have done it without all your support.”

Battersea’s Muddy Dog Challenge is taking place all over the country. Many events are already selling out fast, please check the website for more information and how to register https://muddydog.battersea.org.uk/