DOGS PUT BEST PAWS FORWARD IN NAME OF CHARITY
FIVE chihuahuas in embroidered denim jackets, two skateboarding pups, tutu-wearing canines, and a fairy-dressed great Dane – doing it all in the name of charity.
About 1300 Gold Coasters turned out with their best friends for the annual Million Paws Walk to raise money for the RSPCA.
The Broadwater Parklands were filled with food for two-legged and fourlegged friends, competitions, kids activities and, of course, a walk to stand on one for the wellbeing of animals in Queensland.
Paradise Waters resident Julie Schultz brought her British bulldog, Ruby, who was still wrapped up in an Aussie spirit singlet from the Commonwealth Games.
“She is the love of my life,” Ms Schultz said.“She is like my child, and I happily spoil her rotten every day.”
RSPCA Queensland volunteer Tamara Cooper said the costs to care for surrendered, abandoned and injured pets are in the millions of dollars for the RSPCA.
“Today is all about raising not only funds, but awareness around the importance of helping animals,” Ms Cooper said.
“By participating today, each and everyone here is giving the voiceless (animals) a chance to be heard.”
Across Queensland the RSPCA shelters more than 50,000 animals each year.
The walk raises funds to pay to food, veterinary bills, vaccinations, desexing and sheltering the abandoned animals.