A woman from Calne who is behind Canine Companion Day, launched in 2021, says her inspiration stems from her own four-legged friend.

Kate Taylor lives with her husband and two terriers, and is a former primary school teacher now running the online website ‘Dotty4Paws’ which advertises dog-friendly places across the UK.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Kate and her collie-cross, Poppy.Kate and her collie-cross, Poppy.

She was devastated when she lost her collie-cross, Poppy, who helped her through some challenging times.

The pair were inseparable for 16 years before Poppy died in March this year.

But her memory has lived on in the form of her owner’s love for dogs, and passion for people to make the most of their time with them.

Describing the ‘irreplaceable relationship’ she had with Poppy, Kate explained that when she was undergoing three rounds of IVF treatment which were unsuccessful, she could not have got through this period without her dog by her side.

“She was such an inspiration to have at the time”, Kate told this newspaper.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Kate with her two current dogs, Winnie and Gertie.Kate with her two current dogs, Winnie and Gertie.

“On days where it would have been difficult to get out of bed, Poppy was there wanting to play and go for long walks - and that really helped to keep me going.

“Dogs are such a positive addition to people’s lives- and there are already lots of days centred around them, but I wanted to acknowledge the friendship that comes with owning a dog and the relationship that people have with them.”

The first Canine Companion Day took place in 2021, where it got off to a flying start.

The hashtag (#CanineCompanionDay) ended up reaching over 3 million people, with very little promotion, and has sparked Kate to want it to be celebrated by even more dog lovers around the world.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Kate and her former dog, Poppy enjoying some sunshine.Kate and her former dog, Poppy enjoying some sunshine.

She added: “It was such a success last year, so it would be great if even more people got involved.

“Unless you have been lucky enough to experience the love of an exceptional dog, you really have no idea what an intimate place they hold in your heart… After losing Poppy this year, I am determined to make Canine Companion Day 2022 an even bigger success in her memory.”

The big day is set to take place on October 2, and the idea is for people to share their pictures featuring their canine pals on social media- whether it is of them on a walk, with their other four-legged friends, or giving them a hug.