Celebrities were on hand to help raise over £8000 for dogs, cats and communities in need at the Mayhew annual summer fun dog show.
The London-based animal welfare charity’s annual event, Hounds on the Heath took place last Sunday and included a host of celebrities including Chrissie Hyde, TOWIE star, Pete Wicks, The Vamps singer, James McVey and actors Ben Miles and Emily Raymond. 
Channel 4 dog trainer Oli Juste and TV Vet Marc Abraham also joined comedian-turned compere Simon Happily on the Parliament Fields cricket pitch to help judge the dog show and mingle with two and four-legged guests.
The Vamps singer, James McVey said: “I was so excited to return to Hounds on the Heath. Mayhew does such incredible work, helping animals when it’s most needed. It’s always a brilliant day out for the whole family too.”
Judging the dog show was a tough call, with dogs of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes keeping their paws crossed for a prize.
Category sponsors, Bridget Davey Photography, Butternut Box, Esmae’s Pantry, Hampstead Housesitters, DogWorks and Rescue and Animal Care Magazine helped congratulate the winners; including the Best in Show, Barrie, who ensured there wasn’t a dry eye left on the field, as owner Shaun spoke about the daring animal rescue effort in war-torn Syria that he went through to bring Barrie home.
Chrissie Hyde said: “I was delighted to judge Best Rescue at Hounds on the Heath. Mayhew has rehomed thousands of dogs and cat, and as a long-time supporter, I often drop by to catch up with their excellent animals and carers, it’s a real pleasure to join them at an event like this.”
As well as the dog show, there was an exciting array of entertainment for dogs and owners alike – from a canine agility course sponsored by Paws for Thought Retreats and Mayhew’s infamous ‘Temptation Alley’ to gift shops and stalls, a gin bar and a range of delicious vegan and vegetarian snacks served in ‘The Waterhole’ (sponsored by Edgard & Cooper).
There was also a raffle with prizes donated by Bridget Davey Photography, Oonalfie, All Natural Pet and Jin Designs.
A number of Instagram-famous dogs, including Pops, Puggie Smalls, Gizmo and Marcel also came down to show their sup-paw-t and help promote Mayhew’s dog assisted therapy programme, TheraPaws.
Throughout the day, Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers were on-site to offer free microchipping and provide non-judgemental advice about animal welfare and pet adoption.
Caroline Yates, CEO of Mayhew, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have raised over £8000 at Hounds on the Heath 2019, and cant thank everyone enough for showing up and supporting Mayhew.
“The turnout was absolutely incredible, and it was wonderful to see so many dogs entering our show. We were disappointed to have been forced to cancel last year’s show due to hot weather, so we’re really grateful to everyone who joined us this year to help raise vital funds to help more dogs, cats and communities.
“We couldn’t do the work we do without your support, and we are especially grateful to Simon Happily and our celebrity judges for their energy and commitment on the day.”
Ben Miles, actor in the Crown, added: “Working in the West End, I’m even more acutely aware of how many homeless people – and homeless dogs – there are in London. Mayhew offers such a special service in helping to keep homeless people and their pets together, giving vital care to the animals, and supporting owners through difficult times. I will continue to support them in any way I can.”
Mayhew would like to thank all of the staff members, volunteers, celebrity guests, stall vendors, guests and sponsors who joined us on Sunday and helped to make Hounds on the Heath such a fantastic and fun day out.
