Hundreds of humans and their canine companions joined Mayhew on Hampstead Heath yesterday (Sunday 14 July) for our Hounds on the Heath, our annual summer fun dog show – raising over £8,000 for dogs, cats and communities in need.

Winner of Most Gorgeous Girl – Maddie. Photo by Rowan Williams.

This year’s event was sponsored by Scrumbles Natural Pet Food, and celebrities including singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde, TOWIE star Pete Wicks, The Vamps singer James McVey and his partner Kirstie Brittain, actors Ben Miles and Emily Raymond, Channel 4 dog trainer Oli Juste and TV Vet Marc Abraham joined comedian-turned-compere Simon Happily on the Parliament Fields cricket pitch to help judge our dog show and mingle with two and four-legged guests.

James McVey and Kirstie Brittain judging Sweetest Staffie. Photo by Rowan Williams.

James McVey said “I was so excited to return to Hounds on the Heath. Mayhew does such incredible work, helping animals when it’s most needed. It’s always a brilliant day out for the whole family too!”

Judging the dog show was a tough call, with dogs of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes keeping their paws crossed for a prize.

Our fantastic category sponsors Bridget Davey Photography, Butternut Box, Esmae’s Pantry, Hampstead Housesitters, DogWorks and Rescue and Animal Care Magazine helped congratulate the winners; including our Best In Show, Barrie, who ensured there wasn’t a dry eye left on the field as owner Sean spoke about the daring animal rescue effort in war-torn Syria that he went through to bring Barrie home.

Winner of Best Rescue and Best in Show – Barrie. Pictured with her owner Sean and judges Oli Juste and Aneisha from Scrumbles. Photo by Rowan Williams.

Chrissie Hynde said “I was delighted to judge Best Rescue at Hounds on the Heath. Mayhew has rehomed thousands of dogs and cats, and as a long-time supporter, I often drop by to catch up with their excellent animals and carers – it’s a real pleasure to join them at an event like this!”

Outside of the show, there was an exciting array of entertainment for dogs and owners alike – from a canine agility course sponsored by Paws for Thought Retreats and Mayhew’s infamous ‘Temptation Alley’ to gift shops and stalls, a gin bar and a range of delicious vegan and vegetarian snacks served in “The Waterhole” (sponsored by Edgard & Cooper). As well as a raffle with prizes donated by Bridget Davey Photography, Oonalfie, All Natural Pet and Jin Designs.

Instadog Gizmo. Photo by Audrey Granger.

A number of Instagram-famous dogs, including Pops, Puggie Smalls, Gizmo and Marcel also came down to show their sup-paw-t and help promote our dog assisted therapy programme, TheraPaws.

Throughout the day, our Animal Welfare Officers were on-site to offer free microchipping and provide non-judgemental advice about animal welfare and pet adoption, and our clinic team were providing weight checks and dietary advice.

A Golden Retriever is bribed through the agility course. Photo by Graham Hilling.

Caroline Yates, CEO of Mayhew, said “We are absolutely delighted to have raised over £8000 at Hounds on the Heath 2019, and can’t thank everyone enough for showing up and supporting Mayhew.

“The turnout was absolutely incredible and it was wonderful to see so many dogs entering our show. We were so disappointed to have been forced to cancel last year’s event due to the hot weather, so we’re really grateful to everyone who joined us this year to help raise vital funds to help more dogs, cats and communities.

“We couldn’t do the work we do without your support, and we are especially grateful to Simon Happily and our celebrity judges for their energy and commitment on the day.”

Golden Oldie judge Ben Miles with compere Simon Happily. Photo by Rowan Williams.

Ben Miles, actor in The Crown, added: “Working in the West End, I’m even more acutely aware of how many homeless people – and homeless dogs – there are in London. Mayhew offers such a special service in helping to keep homeless people and their pets together, giving vital care to the animals, and supporting owners through difficult times. I will continue to support them in any way I can.”

Mayhew would like to thank all of the staff members, volunteers, celebrity guests, stall vendors, guests and sponsors who joined us on Sunday and helped to make Hounds on the Heath such a fantastic and fun day out.