Thousands of people and their dogs came together at sunset all over Ireland to celebrate ‘The Big Paws’ with Dogs Trust on Saturday evening.

With adolescent dogs making up half of the number of surrender requests we've received this year alone, we want to help owners manage their expectations when it comes to "teenage" dogs.

To celebrate the unique bond between dogs and their owners, we have announced plans to create the missing ritual and meaningful marker when a much-loved dog passes away. Dog lovers are being invited to join us and take part in ‘The Big Paws’.

As the dog crisis in Ireland deepens, we are extremely concerned about the soaring levels of abandoned dogs across the country.