Around 2,000 dog lovers spent a glorious afternoon in Falmouth’s Kimberly Park on Sunday when staff from Rosemullion Veterinary Practice staged Bark in the Park.

The event was held as part of National Pet Month and aimed to promote responsible pet ownership.

As well as the sunshine, the crowds and the many canine furry friends present, there were local groomers, trainers, members of the dog rescue charity, K9 Crusaders, and representatives of the Cornwall branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust.

The event was intended to bring pet owners into contact with veterinary and animal care professionals local to the area. Organiser and Rosemullion veterinary nurse, Ruth Collett, said: “It was such good fun. Everyone had a really good day.”

The afternoon’s events also included a fun dog show which saw the title of best in show go to a puppy called Bolt, a Husky cross Akita. The reserve best in show title was won by a bichon frise called Jake.

On a more serious note, there were some dogs present in need of new homes. One of these is Rizla, who is described as “so sweet” and has been looking for a permanent home for two years. Anyone who can help is asked to contact K9 Crusaders at Bissoe on 01872 560232.

Money was raised throughout the afternoon by a tombola and by the stalls present. The total currently stands at £600, although more donations are expected. The money will be donated in equal measure to the Cornwall branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust and K9 Crusaders.

A further £400 was raised from the Cats Protection stall, which will go towards Rosemullion veterinary nurse, Hollie Seziour’s trip to Africa, where she will help to nurse lion cubs in a lion orphanage.

To the question of whether she would like to put an event like this on again in the future, Ruth said: “Definitely! It was such a success. All of the doctors and nurses want to say thanks to everyone because it was a really special day.”