Sunday was an exciting day out for the 230 dogs and 400 dog owners that attended this year’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk in Port Macquarie.
The annual event raised $4075 for the care of animals in need by the RSPCA. RSPCA Port Macquarie Branch volunteer Annabelle McQuillan said the Race-course was abuzz with waggily tails, drooling jowls, sniffy snouts, excited children and happy dog owners.
“All the dogs who attended were very social and well behaved, greeting each other with a sniff and a lick with the occasional excitement that led to the owners needing to perform the humorous untangling of the dog’s lead dance,” Annabelle said.
ABC Radio Presenter Wendy Collis selflessly volunteered her time to compere the day, engaging with the participants and seamlessly rallying everyone to the racetrack to commence the walk. The walk was a hit with everyone happily making their way around the racetrack at a good pace.
“Harley was one of the first dogs across the line with his owner hardly able to get him to sit for a quick photo before he took off for a victory lap,” she said.
The younger participants enjoyed the colouring in and design a bone competition, with the winner’s design to become a Best Friends Delights dog bone treat. The raffle was won by Sue from Bonny Hills who will be enjoying her weekend away at Gypsy Falls Waterfall retreat very soon. Mason, a recent RSPCA adopted dog, took out the ‘Best in Show’ with his Wild West cowboy hat.
“Many of the other dogs were well dressed for the occasion with cute coats, leis, ties, bandannas, leotards, tutus and even painted toe-nails,” Annabelle said.
“Every dog’s name was signed on an artwork that will be hung in the newly renovated shelter. The renovation was made possible by the financial support of our community and the artwork is to symbolise this.”
