LAST Friday lunch time at Cups Corner, I froze in my tracks, riveted to the spot as I looked over the road at a long line of dogs on leads.

Some of the owners were holding placards which I was too far away to read but bi still felt drawn to stop and stare.

There was a quiet kind of dignity about the procession as they rounded the corner from Mill Road and walked purposely up Wantz Road.

No excitable barks or tugging on leads, just supremely well behaved dogs and owners.

They were not solely just coming back from a walk on the Prom, they were on a vital mission.

I learnt later on that they were heading to Maldon Council offices to hand in a petition to get the Latchingdon Dog Rescue to remain open.

For various reasons dogs have to be rehomed and all the ones I know, and have known, are somehow extra special.

It’s as if they know they’ve been given another chance in life and are grateful for it.

If these dog’s could have spoken no doubt they would have said how lucky they were to be settled into a caring home by the Latchingdon Rescue Centre.

Maybe they would’ve added to the council - ‘Have you gone barking mad?’

Janet Mayes, Wentworth Meadows, Maldon