More than 2,000 animal lovers and their dogs got together at Windsor Great Park over two days last weekend to take part in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Muddy Dog Challenge.

The event has raised around £226,000 so far, which will go towards the care of the thousands of homeless animals helped by Battersea every year.

The Muddy Dog Challenge took place not far from Battersea’s Old Windsor centre for the fourth year and saw participants and their dogs jump, crawl and wade through various fun obstacles.

Those taking part included father and son duo, Joe and Finlay Atkinson from Reading, who were accompanied by their four-year-old Golden Retriever, Oscar. This is the second time Joe has done the Muddy Dog Challenge.

He said: “Oscar loves to roll around in puddles, so what better way to give him what he wants? He loved it.”

Other participants included ‘Team Dodger Dog’ – a family and their rescue dog, Dodger the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Dodger Dog has his own set of children’s books as well as being a Pets As Therapy dog.

Karen Gee, who led the family team, said: “Like Battersea, we truly believe Staffies are softer than you think and we’re on a mission to show that Staffies are often misrepresented. Dodger goes into schools, hospitals and residential homes and we read our books to them."

Kaye Mughal, Centre Manager at Battersea Old Windsor, said: “It was an amazing weekend and it was great to see thousands of people and their dogs enjoying the obstacles."

“We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part at the weekend, with or without a dog, the money raised will help us care for the thousands of abandoned and stray dogs and cats inside and outside of our centres. Thank you to everyone who volunteered too – we couldn’t have done it without your support.”

The event was sponsored by Seresto flea and tick control collar.