DOZENS of dog owners walked their animals through the city’s streets as part of an annual parade.

The Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust parade was followed by a pet blessing ceremony in Worcester Cathedral.

The events took place on Saturday, May 20, and were partly intended to change negative perceptions about keeping Greyhounds as pets.

Tracey Parbery, chairman of the Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust, spoke to dog owners during the service in Worcester Cathedral.

She said: “Animals make such a difference in our life, they help us through good times and bad times and give us unending love.

“They make a difference in our lives...people have taken on animals after losing partners and they have new doors for them.

“We put this on so we can praise all of the animals in our lives.”

Glen Wills, aged 53, vice chairman of the trust, was at the event with two of his Greyhounds, Sid, aged 11, and Breeze, eight.

He said: “It brings many Greyhound owners together. This is our third year.

“The Greyhound Trust runs it with the cathedral. It’s part of what we do as a charity to raise awareness of Greyhounds, and that they make really good pets.

“When I was looking for a dog someone at work said get a Greyhound.

“I raised the exercise issue and she said they don’t need lots and it proved to be true.

“I work full-time and they are great pets.”

Mr Wills added that the event was an opportunity to dispel myths around the breed, such as Greyhounds needing lots of exercise.

“They are built for speed not stamina. They need two 20 minute walks a day,” he said.

Mr Wills said they are always looking for volunteers at the trust and encouraged dog owners to get in touch.

Carol Harrison, from Stourbridge, was also at the parade with her two greyhounds - Gypsy, aged 8, and Zeus, 10.

The 54-year-old said Greyhounds are gentle giants and are taken into homes after they finish racing.

Ms Harrison has been to the Worcester parade before and described it as a great event.

The pet blessing service started at 1pm in Worcester Cathedral.

Cllr Steve Mackay, the Mayor of Worcester, also attended the event and delivered a speech at the end of the ceremony.

Pet owners placed cards in memory of their dead animals on a prayer tree at the front of the cathedral.

There were also prayers, hymns and bible readings during the service.

You can donate to the Greyhound trust on https://www.justgiving.com/hgrgt/donate