Walk Your Dog Month X PAAWs Out and About
As we head into a New Year with necessary extended restrictions, those of us with pets continue to celebrate the positive impact our four-legged friends have on our lives. Walk Your Dog Month, which takes place in January, is an International initiative which originated in the US, it’s a great way to shine a light on the importance of exercise and bonding time for both you and your dog.
© PAAWs United – Bonnie Petkau Wise
This year for Walk Your Dog Month we invite you to join us for some online fun. As a social hub for pet lovers, at PAAW House we are always thinking of ways to connect our community. Many of us are missing social interactions in these unprecedented times. We would like to invite our members and friends to join us for some light hearted enjoyment, to help us smile and connect throughout January. Walk Your Dog Month x PAAWs Out and About, an online photo sharing competition to celebrate our daily dog walking adventures, destinations and experiences.
© PAAWs United – Mandi Hawkins Elgey
Taking part is easy. All you need to do is take some photos on your daily dog walks, (as long as you are in an environment where it is safe to do so). Share your photos with us on social media using the hashtag #paawsoutandabout. The competition will run across Instagram and Facebook. For Instagram lovers, tag @paaw_house in your photos, those who prefer Facebook can join us @PAAWs United – Pet CommUNITY or tag your photo to @paaw_house.
Remember you must use the hashtag #paawsoutandabout to be entered. The winner will receive a London based mini photo shoot with renowned pet photographer, Aurelie Four (when its safe to do so), plus two VIP tickets to PAAWstival 2021. Four runners up will also get VIP entry to PAAWstival 2021. Winners will be announced at the beginning of February and all of your photos will feature backstage at PAAWstival 2021!
© PAAWs United – Henrietta Wilson
We welcome photo submissions of your dogs doing anything they love best on their daily walks, within current government guidelines. We want to see lots of happy dog pics, taken in a safe and environment for both you and your pet, to keep us smiling throughout January.
We would also love to hear a little bit about the place/photo, if there are any special details you would like to share (not a competition requirement, we are just naturally nosey). This is a fun competition to keep us connected during lockdown restrictions, it is in no way affiliated with Facebook/Instagram.
Our photographer is London based but will offer a mini tutorial as an alternative for a winner who is not London based. PAAWstival 2021 (paws crossed) will also take place in London.
© PAAWs United – dinothedisableddog
Of course, those of us with dogs know that every month is walk your dog month, for many of us 2020 was walk your dog year! Our dogs need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy, yet sadly there is a real problem with canine obesity in the UK. According to PDSA studies, vets estimate that more than half of UK dogs are obese.
Obesity can put your dog at risk from a number of health issues including; arthritis, back and kidney problems and could ultimately reduce the life span of your best friend. Check out the PDSA guidelines for exercising your dog or speak to your vet if you are worried about your dog’s health, Exercising your adult dog – PDSA
© PAAWs United – Burly Bear Pom
There are also many human health benefits to a good long dog walk! With gyms and health centres currently closed it’s a great way to get out and get some exercise and fresh air to help beat the January blues. For those of us who indulged over Christmas it’s also an opportunity to shed a few pounds whilst keeping our pets healthy. Getting out and about is also good for our mental health, with many continuing to work from home it gives us the chance to step away from technology and the stresses of daily life. Everyone’s a winner!
© PAAWs United – Akire Sasor
We would like to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year, we look forward to seeing your photos and connecting online. Do remember it is up to you to keep both you and your pet safe when out walking.
Happy Walk Your Dog Month,
Gabby, Vinnie & the Team at PAAW House
