JoJo & Sparky Take on the Muddy Dog Dash (and Loved Every Minute)
If you’ve ever wondered what pure joy looks like, I can confirm it’s a muddy dog, a wagging tail, and a finish-line grin. Today, JoJo and Sparky headed to the Muddy Dog Dash 2026 at Upton Country Park, Poole — and it was one of those days that reminds you how brilliant community events can be.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was spot-on: friendly people, excited pups of every shape and size, and that shared “we’re all in this together” energy you only get when everyone’s about to get absolutely filthy for a good cause.
Better still, the day was all about raising money for an incredible local charity, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
A dog-tastic obstacle course (for all abilities)
The Muddy Dog Dash is exactly what it sounds like — a muddy obstacle course you can tackle either with your four-legged best mate or on your own.
There were two route options (2.5km or 5km), which made it really accessible whether you’re up for a gentle challenge or you fancy going all-in. Along the way, the course delivered plenty of classic muddy fun: ditches, tunnels, wiggle poles, jumps and more.
JoJo and Sparky were in their element — charging into the messy bits, making new furry friends, and generally living their best lives. And honestly? Watching dogs discover mud like it’s the greatest invention of all time is a mood-lifter we could all do with.
The Event Village: stalls, treats, and things to try
One of the best parts of the day was the Event Village, which gave everyone a chance to refuel, browse, and have a wander (while comparing just how muddy everyone had managed to get).
There was a great mix of stalls and dog-focused businesses, including:
- Pure Pet Food
- The Dog Pod at Upton
- Animal Avenue
- BySophie Photography
- Leanne’s Pet Care Services (Doggy First Aid)
- Naughty Walty
- Peachy Pooch
- Pawfect Pup
And if your dog loves a bit of action, there was also Have-a-Go Flyball running throughout the day in the Muddy Dog Show arena — a proper crowd-pleaser.
New this year: The Muddy Dog Show
A big highlight (and a very cute addition) was the Muddy Dog Show, taking place at 3pm in the Event Village. It was a brilliant showcase of “most fabulous furry friends” — and the kind of thing that makes you smile even if you don’t know a single dog there (though let’s be honest, you’ll end up chatting to everyone anyway).
A huge thank you to the sponsors
Events like this don’t happen without brilliant local support — so a big thank you to the sponsors who helped make the Muddy Dog Dash possible:
Why days like this matter
Beyond the laughs and the muddy paws, events like the Muddy Dog Dash are a reminder of what happens when a community comes together — people showing up, supporting a local cause, and making memories at the same time.
If you’re looking for a feel-good day out that’s active, family-friendly, and full of wagging tails, put this one on your list.
Want to get involved next time?
You can find the official event details here: Muddy Dog Dash 2026 (Lewis-Manning Hospice Care)
And if you were there today too — I hope you got home, got the kettle on, and accepted that your washing machine is about to have a very busy evening.
