ROYAL thrones, dog beer and plenty of pawsecco - dogs in Bournemouth did not miss out on the coronation fun.
Dorset Dogs hosted their first ever ‘Doggy King Fling’ party at the Revolution venue in Old Christchurch on Sunday.
Dogs of all sizes and breeds were invited in - with their owners - for a day of monarchy-themed fun for the King’s coronation.
The four-legged friends enjoyed a ball pit, tunnels, a royal throne to pose on, a kissing booth and plenty of dog friendly snacks, while their owners could explore pop up stalls selling doggy goods.
Many were also dolled up in outfits inspired by the royals, knowing one would be crowned 'best dressed' at the end of the event.
Nicky Crowe, founder of the Dorset Dogs group, described the 'Doggy King Fling' as a real success.
She told the Daily Echo: “It’s gone really really well. The dogs have all had so much fun.
“We’ve had the small dogs, and then mixed breeds, and then the large dogs came in, so we switched it up and gave them bigger tunnels for them to go through, and bigger ball toys.
“The small dogs really love the union jack thrown chair - it was handmade by one of our members.”
Dorset Dogs has been behind a number of events centred around canine chums, including a Valentine's Day-themed party earlier this year.
The events raise funds for the group's pet food banks which were set up earlier this year in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Nicky said: “In January, we started just one pet food bank, but we immediately realised there was a real need for them, so we’ve set up about seven now. We’ve got them from Christchurch all the way to Portland.
“A lot of people going to food banks were feeding themselves before they could feed their pet, and the animal shelters were overwhelmed. But now they have the pet foodbanks they can come to.”
While the ‘Doggy King Fling’ carries an important charitable aspect, it is also an opportunity for many to celebrate man’s best friend.
Natasha Chaffey, 28, is wheelchair bound but makes sure she comes to every one of Dorset Dogs’ events with her three service dogs.
Her family explained it is also a good environment to help the dogs develop in their training.
She said: “They’re my service dogs. I don’t go anywhere without them.
“I’m really enjoying it here.”
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