The Big Sit!
The Big Sit was held at The Wag & Bone Show at Ascot Racecourse, England, on Saturday16th August 2003. The Big Sit was conceived and organised by Dogs for the Disabled, and kindly sponsored by Pets At Home.
So what exactly was The Big Sit all about? Well, it was an attempt at breaking the current Guinness World Record for the largest number of dogs doing a sit/stay for 2 minutes. When the planning for the event began, the current Guinness World Record stood at 76 dogs, however, during the weeks leading up to The Big Sit, Dogs for the Disabled learned there was a new record claim for 337 dogs. This meant that even more dogs would be needed if our record attempt was to be successful.
As the day drew closer, people were being asked via publicity to bring their own dogs and take part in the World Record attempt. With an exceptionally hot August here in England, many had worries that people would do the safest thing and leave their dogs at home in the cool.
Wendy & Caesar had planned to be at The Wag & Bone Show, and were then invited by Dogs for the Disabled, along with two other partnerships to go to London for a photoshoot to advertise the event.
What better place to practise a sit/stay for two minutes than on The London Eye?!
Wendy & Caesar high above The Houses of Parliament & River Thames
Copyright© Paul Keevil
Wendy & Caesar (left) and Mel & Penny (right) at the top of The London Eye
Copyright© Paul Keevil
SIT!
L to R, Mel & Penny, Wendy & Caesar and Melissa & Rowan
Copyright© Paul Keevil
At last the day came, and the weather was cooler, so people turned up in their hundreds with their dogs. Everyone had to register to take part in the event, and shortly before 3pm everyone took up their positions. There was a countdown to the start of The Big Sit over the tannoy system, and a silence fell upon the arena. Everyone and their dogs were concentrating hard, the first minute seemed like and eternity, then the second minute whizzed past, the dogs remained seated, then it was announced the two minutes were up and a huge roar erupted. It was a delight to see so many people having fun with their dogs and raising money for Dogs for the Disabled at the same time. Then came the business of the count, and some minutes later the final total was announced, 526, we had not only equalled the previous record, but smashed it!!!
Above and below, Wendy & Caesar and Melissa & Rowan during The Big Sit
The event was covered in the local and national press
Our Dogs 15th August 2003
Our Dogs 29th August 2003
The Daily Echo 11th August 2003
The Daily Echo 28th August 2003
The Bracknell News 7th August 2003
Update, December 2004
We were delighted to learn details of our world record were included latest edition of "The Guinness Book of World Records"
Many thanks to Paul Keevil & Dogs for the Disabled for allowing use of The London Eye photos.
Copyright©2000~2005
k9assistance / WAMMorrell
|
|
|
