MorePaws, a community founded by Ry Webster and his mother Diane, has organised a nationwide dog walk called No Need To Walk Alone, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at 6pm, the day the clocks go back. The event aims to address personal safety, loneliness and community during the darker winter months.
Community for Dog Owners
Ry Webster, 30, created MorePaws alongside his mum Diane after recognising how difficult it can be for dog owners to build genuine connections. The community, which now includes over 6,000 dog owners across the UK, was inspired by Ry's own pet, Betty.
"MorePaws was started by my mum and me after seeing how difficult it can be to build real connections with other dog owners," Ry explained. "You might see the same people in the park every day, but that doesn’t always turn into a genuine friendship or support network."
Winter Safety and Support
The campaign is focused on personal safety, loneliness and community, particularly at a time of year when people can feel more isolated or less comfortable heading out on their own. The event hopes to encourage people to walk their dogs as part of a community.
"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," Ry said.
Nationwide Participation
The organisers aim to have 100 or more community dog walks happening across the UK on the day, with people able to join a walk near them or host one in their area. Charities and rescue organisations are also being involved to help raise awareness, and personalised posters are available for businesses, charities or dog owners who want to host a walk locally.
Ry concluded: "The thing we’d really love is for it not to stop on that Sunday. Hopefully, some of the people who meet through the campaign keep walking together throughout autumn and winter, and over time, the day the clocks go back becomes a bit of an annual ritual where dog owners across the country come together."
