Ry Webster, 30, and his mum Diane founded MorePaws, a community bringing dog owners together, after seeing how difficult it can be to build real connections with other dog owners. The pair have organised a nationwide walk on October 25 called No Need To Walk Alone, aiming to help people feel safer during the darker months.
Community born from isolation
Ry, who owns a pet dog named Betty, wanted more of a community around dog walking. He explained: "MorePaws was started by my mum and me after seeing how difficult it can be to build real connections with other dog owners."
He added: "You might see the same people in the park every day, but that doesn’t always turn into a genuine friendship or support network. Dog ownership can feel quite isolating at times, and, during winter, evening walks can also feel a lot less comfortable."
6,000 members and a nationwide event
MorePaws is now a nationwide community of over 6,000 dog owners, with people giving their pets a better social life and widening their own social circles too. The campaign is focused on personal safety, loneliness and community, especially at a time of year when people can feel more isolated or less comfortable heading out on their own.
Ry said: "With community at the heart of what we do, we’ve decided to dedicate one day of the year to raising awareness that there is No Need To Walk Alone during the darker months."
Walks, charities and an annual ritual
The aim is to have 100+ nationwide community dog walks happening across the UK on Sunday, 25th October, the day the clocks go back, at 6pm, with people able to join a walk near them or to host one in their area. Charities and rescue organisations are also being involved, so the walks can help raise awareness for their work and give people the option to make voluntary donations.
Personalised No Need To Walk Alone posters can be used by businesses, charities or dog owners who want to host a walk in their local area. Ry hopes the campaign continues beyond that Sunday, with people who meet through it keeping walking together throughout autumn and winter, and the day the clocks go back becoming an annual ritual where dog owners across the country come together.
