National Dally Rally Day takes place in Tewkesbury
Yep, there is a national day for all things Dalmatians!
Dear readers - a pleasant Sunday evening piece for you and it is all thanks to a reader who got in touch to say: “Did you know there will be a gathering of Dalmatians in Tewkesbury?”
Animals always work as great local news stories/features and National Dally Rally Day on February 23rd is a celebration for all things Dalmatians.
I hope you enjoy, dog owners or not, the piece below…
“We had no idea dally rally was a thing”
It was on New Year’s Day two years ago when Gloucester Dalmatian Walks began with just a group of eight but as the image above shows - look how much it has grown!
National Dally Rally Day was founded in 2018 by British Dalmatian Welfare and here in Gloucestershire a group have gathered on the Severn Ham in Tewkesbury.
Thankfully the weather this week was kind enough to make sure the floodplain did not live up to its name, hence a lot of Dalmatians able to run around and use up a lot of energy.
So how did this group begin?
Cara Warner is the first person to speak to, who explains exactly why Dalmatian owners come together in Gloucestershire.
Living in Brockworth, Cara is the founder of the group alongside Dave Wilson and his partner Raechel Carter and Ricky Leyshon with his partner Mark Edwards.
“There were three of us with Dalmatians in Brockworth after my husband took out a puppy in his coat, Cara said. One day walking past Dave and Raechel’s house, they ran out to introduce their Dalmatian and they’ve been instant dog friends ever since.”
Cara has two Dalmatians called Penny, aged two and Tink, aged one. Penny became obsessed with Dave and Raechel’s Dalmatian called Mika, aged five, and from there the group was born alongside fellow residents Ricky and Mark who own Stanley, aged two.
“We all went for a walk together and that’s how the idea for a group walk started, Cara adds. The first walk started with about eight dogs and now we get a lot! We all absolutely love the breed, we had no idea dally rally was a thing and it’s always nice to get everyone together.”
The record is 29 and at this walk in Tewkesbury, owners have counted a possibility of 30 Dalmatians - a record probably beaten!
Putting any records to one side, it is the social wellbeing that makes this group perfect for anyone who has a Dalmatian to join in. Dave said: “Because there was no specific group in Gloucester, we thought this was a good idea. We try to pick hills in the area to walk such as Crickley and Leckhampton and everyone knows the dogs.”
101 Dalmatians is the film (both in 1961 and 1996) that may have provided a trigger point to make the breed popular, but that could be anybody’s guess!
“I think Dalmatians were popular at that time for the film, but I don’t think they are as popular now to be honest, Cara said. Most people I do meet that hasn’t had a Dalmatian tends to say they are known for being really naughty dogs, but of course they’re not. I think it’s because they are really energetic but they are lovely!”
One owner to speak to is Rick and Felicity Mee with their Dalmatians called Jester aged six and a half, and Cocoa, only ten months. Travelling from nearby Winchcombe to be in Tewkesbury, Rick says coming to these events are great to meet people.
“We’ve been on quite a few walks and I think this is one of the biggest I’ve ever been on, Rick said. “Dalmatians are friendly dogs, they're not aggressive and every time we all join together they get to know each other. We’ve had Dalmatians for a very long time and they're a dog we both really like”.
Gloucester Dalmatian Walks have a Facebook group, which you can find here.
Below are a selection of photographs.
Such a great write up. Thank you for coming and spending time with us. Dave