This article was written by Candice, who came along with Amy all the way from South Africa for a team reunion.

(from left to write, the TLD hikers: Tam, Candice, Keren and Amy)

Written by Candice:

On the 8th of July, Team TLD embarked on an unforgettable adventure to hike up Snowdon, all in the name of raising funds for Starlight Barking – a wonderful client and charity dedicated to rescuing dogs and being their voices. They work on linking up with the little stars of rescue shelters, improving the lives of dogs in distress wherever they are.

But this particular hike was focused on raising the funds to open up a bigger, better shelter in Lemnos. The current shelter has a constant stream of dumped puppies and is home to around 60 older abandoned dogs.

So this hike was not just a physical challenge but a heartfelt mission, bringing together passionate individuals from different parts of the world, united by their love for dogs and a shared cause.

The journey begins

Our journey began a day earlier, on the 7th of July. The excitement was palpable as Tam took the wheel, driving us from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Snowdon. The team included Candice and Amy, who had flown all the way from South Africa to join us as well as Keren, adding a special international touch to our group. Our road trip included a lunch stop in the historic city of Oxford. As we sat together, enjoying our meals and sharing stories, the anticipation for the hike ahead grew even stronger.

A challenge awaits

We had prepared for this hike, both physically and mentally, or thought we had anyway 😊. Little did we know, the mountain had a few surprises in store for us. The hike proved to be more challenging than anticipated, testing our endurance and resolve at every turn.

Joining us on this hike was Aris, one of Starlight Barking’s success stories. Aris’s presence was a constant reminder of why we were doing this – for the dogs who needed rescuing and the lives that would be transformed. His joyful spirit and boundless energy kept us motivated, even when the going got tough.

You can read more about Aris’s inspiring story “Aris the ghost dog” on the Starlight Barking blog.

Emotions on the ascent

The hike was a rollercoaster of emotions. The initial excitement gave way to a sense of determination as we pushed forward, each step bringing us closer to our goal. The camaraderie among the team was incredible, with everyone encouraging each other, sharing snacks, and taking breaks together. The landscape was breathtaking, with each new view providing a moment of awe and a chance to catch our breath.

We encountered various other hikers along the way, many of whom were also dressed in unique outfits. Team TLD stood out with our doggy ears as TLD “Team Love Dogs”, while some went all out with Superman and Batman costumes. The playful spirit and friendly exchanges with fellow hikers added a layer of fun to the gruelling ascent.

Reaching the summit

Reaching the summit of Snowdon was an overwhelming experience. The sense of accomplishment was immense, and the views from the top were simply stunning. As we stood there, taking in the panoramic vistas, we felt a mixture of exhaustion, joy, and pride. It was a moment of reflection, thinking about the journey we had undertaken, the cause we were supporting, and the dogs whose lives would be better because of our efforts.

Aris, with his wagging tail and playful antics, was a star at the summit, drawing smiles and pats from everyone around. His presence was a testament to the work of Starlight Barking and a symbol of hope for many more dogs waiting to be rescued.

The descent and reflections

The descent was no less challenging, but the sense of achievement carried us through. We shared stories, laughed about the tough moments and cried a little inside, and supported each other down the rocky paths. By the time we reached the base, we were exhausted. The physical toll of the hike was evident, but so was the emotional high of having accomplished something significant together.

Looking back on the experience, we all agreed that climbing Mount Snowdon was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things we had ever done. The hike was a reminder that nothing worth achieving comes easy. The struggles we faced on the mountain mirrored the challenges faced by the dogs we were supporting. Their journey to safety and a loving home was fraught with obstacles, but with perseverance and support, they too could reach their summit.

Would we do it again?

Absolutely. The hike up Snowdon was more than just a fundraising effort; it was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and a shared love for dogs. We would do it again, albeit with a bit more mountain hike training next time. The experience brought us closer together as a team and reinforced our commitment to supporting Starlight Barking in their mission.

You can read more about them in our Superstar blog post here.

In the end, the hike was a celebration of what we can achieve when we come together for a cause. It was a journey filled with laughter, struggle, and triumph, and it left us with memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to many more adventures and to making a difference, one step at a time.

You can still make a difference!

If Starlight Barking sounds like a cause you’d like to support you can still make a donation here.

Thank you!