A former Denton stray dog is now living his best life and hoping to raise thousands for Manchester’s homeless hounds

The two-year-old Collie Cross Toby was found wandering Denton’s streets all alone last April.

But he’s found a new purpose helping to raise thousands of pounds for four legged-friends less fortunate than himself.

Toby has been taking to the hills with his new owner, Kate Badger who was instantly smitten by the young pup when she met him at the Dogs Trust in Denton last year.

Kate, who is a keen walker spotted a kindred spirit in young Toby, and the pair are now taking on a series of charity challenges this year in a bid to walk more than 1,000 miles to raise vital funds for the Dogs Trust.

Kate, who works as a Festival Co-ordinator, said:

“Before Toby, I have had three rescue dogs and admire the work Dogs Trust does to help every dog that comes into its care.

“The charity supports dogs to live life to the full whilst they are with Dogs Trust, and once they have found a new family.

“A dog might need some extra support to help them cope with life better, like help to feel more relaxed when meeting other dogs or when spending time alone, or they may have been badly treated and need time to build up trust.

“Whatever it is, Dogs Trust is there for them.

“So, I want to do what I can to support their work. 1,000 miles may not seem like a lot, but our main walks are often going uphill so we thought it was a reasonable target.

“Hopefully we’ll power on past it!”

Kate is charting their progress on social media and has already shared their adventures to some of the region’s most picturesque areas including Dunham Massey and Lyme Park and the hills around Buxton and Castleton.

The pair have set up a fundraising page which you can access by clicking here.

They are hoping to raise £2000, which is the cost of rehoming a dog who needs behavioural support.

Some dogs, because of the traumas they have experienced before they are adopted require intervention before being re-homed.

This money will be used to help a pooch find a loved home.

If you would like to support Kate and Toby please go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/toby-1000miles

Lisa Eardley, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, says:

“Toby was only at Dogs Trust a few weeks before heading home with Kate but some dogs find themselves waiting a lot longer to find them forever home and we will care for them until that day comes, however long it takes.

“The fact that Toby was a stray and is now so happy and living such a brilliant life is what it’s all about.

“The funds’ Toby and Kate raise will help us make sure we can give all our dogs everything they need, from toys to training, until their lucky day arrives and they head home with a wonderful new owner.”

Kate said adopting a dog from the Trust was one of the best things she had ever done.

She continued: “I can’t imagine life without Toby. Despite what he went through before arriving at Dogs Trust he adores people and is a big softie.

“He comes to the local pub with me and everyone basically talks to him first and then remembers I’m there at the other end of the lead!

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. If he’s happy, I’m happy.”

If you would like to find out about any of the dogs waiting at Dogs Trust to find their forever homes, or how you can volunteer for the charity, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk