A young dog lover from Bridgwater, Somerset and his four-legged friend have been crowned winners following an online nationwide competition which encouraged dog owners to keep fit and active during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Taking place between 18 January and 12 February, the Dog Walk Challenge called on members of the Young Kennel Club (YKC) to make the most of their daily exercise (within the Government guidelines relevant to their region) whilst getting outside with their dogs. The challenge involved walking short distances each day to ultimately total either 5 or 10 miles in their local area, depending on their age.
Nine year-old Thomas Taylor and Flora, a two year-old Scottish Terrier, travelled a total of five miles together within the four weeks of the challenge, and were named as the winners of the 6-13 age group.
Speaking of their win, Thomas said: “I was very shocked to be told I had won! I really enjoyed the challenge and was very excited to do it as I love walking my dogs and spending time with them.”
The competition was open to two age groups: those between 6-13 years old who were asked to walk five miles and the older age group of 14-24 years old who were asked to walk ten. The winners of both categories were awarded a choice of either a free place at Young Kennel Club camp or a Fitbit and £100 Argos voucher.
Ben Ashcroft, Young Kennel Club Chairman, said: “Many congratulations to Thomas and Flora. It’s been great to see their progress over the past four weeks and they should be so proud of themselves.
“We were thrilled to see so many Young Kennel Club members not only taking part in this challenge, but also supporting and encouraging each other. The pandemic has meant that our members have sadly been unable to socialise with each other at their usual members’ events, but we are so glad that this initiative has been able to keep them connected, even whilst being miles apart.”
The Young Kennel Club has continued to run plenty of exciting activities throughout lockdown to keep young members and their canine companions busy in the absence of events, including photo competitions, drawing tutorials as well as printable quizzes, colouring pages and more. Parents and/or young dog lovers can visit the Young Kennel Club website to sign up.
Taking place between 18 January and 12 February, the Dog Walk Challenge called on members of the Young Kennel Club (YKC) to make the most of their daily exercise (within the Government guidelines relevant to their region) whilst getting outside with their dogs. The challenge involved walking short distances each day to ultimately total either 5 or 10 miles in their local area, depending on their age.
Nine year-old Thomas Taylor and Flora, a two year-old Scottish Terrier, travelled a total of five miles together within the four weeks of the challenge, and were named as the winners of the 6-13 age group.
Speaking of their win, Thomas said: “I was very shocked to be told I had won! I really enjoyed the challenge and was very excited to do it as I love walking my dogs and spending time with them.”
The competition was open to two age groups: those between 6-13 years old who were asked to walk five miles and the older age group of 14-24 years old who were asked to walk ten. The winners of both categories were awarded a choice of either a free place at Young Kennel Club camp or a Fitbit and £100 Argos voucher.
Ben Ashcroft, Young Kennel Club Chairman, said: “Many congratulations to Thomas and Flora. It’s been great to see their progress over the past four weeks and they should be so proud of themselves.
“We were thrilled to see so many Young Kennel Club members not only taking part in this challenge, but also supporting and encouraging each other. The pandemic has meant that our members have sadly been unable to socialise with each other at their usual members’ events, but we are so glad that this initiative has been able to keep them connected, even whilst being miles apart.”
The Young Kennel Club has continued to run plenty of exciting activities throughout lockdown to keep young members and their canine companions busy in the absence of events, including photo competitions, drawing tutorials as well as printable quizzes, colouring pages and more. Parents and/or young dog lovers can visit the Young Kennel Club website to sign up.