Mass dog walk for animal charity
SUMMERSTRAND is going to the dogs on Saturday morning – literally – when the Animal Anti-Cruelty League hosts a mass dog walk at The Boardwalk to raise funds.
The Walk of Hope will start at 9am and the AACL is asking pet owners to bring along their pooches for a fun-filled, 5km stroll from The Boardwalk.
If you do not have a pet to bring along, you can “adopt” an animal for the morning to enjoy the spirited meander.
All proceeds raised through the entry fee of R40 will be donated to the league to help abused or abandoned animals.
“There will be all sorts of prizes, from Best Pavement Special to Owner-Pet Lookalike,” Linda-Louise Swain, of AACL said.
“Families, including dog families, are also encouraged to enter the Best Dressed Family competition, so have some fun dressing up as the Addams family, the Von Trapp family, The Simpsons or the like.”
Swain plans The Walk of Hope as an annual event, “bringing hope to those who cannot speak for themselves”.
The mass dog walk will start from The Boardwalk parking area and there will be activities throughout the morning including food stalls and a children’s play area.
The Rother-Swain Drama Studio and Pearson Ecos Paws drama pups will line areas of The Boardwalk in a silent flashmob, as they represent animal abuse of all forms, from bear-baiting to testing of cosmetics.
Some will be chained, some in cages, but all will have their mouths taped and they will sit in silent submission. At 11.30am they will come together as the flashmob and the children will remove the tape from their mouths, symbolically speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
“The Animal Anti-Cruelty League does tremendous good work to protect, care for and rehabilitate animals that are neglected and abused,” The Boardwalk public relations and promotions manager Siphokazi Ngombane said.
“Come down with your furry friend and enjoy a morning of outdoor activity for a good cause.
“You can do something to improve the quality of life for a needy animal, and make your pet happy at the same time.
“Your medal won’t be shiny and bright. Instead it will be a feeling inside where you know you have done right.”
Please note that all dogs must be on a leash to participate in the walk. People who would like to “adopt” a dog to take for a walk can contact Amanda on 082-492-2744 for more information.