CHARITY Dogs for Good is encouraging people to take part in ‘Dogtober’ - a walking challenge next month to help raise money. 

The charity is hoping to raise awareness of the positive impact that dogs can have on improving feelings of loneliness. People can get involved by signing up and start talking whilst walking 100km - or their own target. 

Dogs for Good enables people to make life-changing differences through specially-trained dogs. 

Jacqui, from Hampshire, explained the benefits of having her assistance dog, Duke. 

She said: "My MS diagnosis meant I felt lonely and isolated because I couldn’t safely get outdoors on my own.

"Duke and I go out every day into the meadows locally or we’ll go to the beach which Duke loves. And everywhere we go, people stop to chat. We’re local celebs!" 

Peter Gorbing, chief executive of Dogs for Good explained that being out in nature and exercising are positive contributors to reducing social isolation and encouraging social interactions with people.

He said: “There’s no doubt about it, dog walking, whether alone or tagging along with a friend, makes you feel better in yourself."

The charity recently conducted a survey with More Than Insurance which showed that 79 per cent of people say they have up to 20 friendly interactions each week while walking their dog.

To sign up to Dogtober go to dogsforgood.org/dogtober