Get your Labrador limbered up and put your Pomeranian through its paces for the
Paws for a Cause Dog Walk at Nortons Park on 20th November, 2011. The
walk will begin at the picnic area at 11am and follow a three kilometre circuit around the park with regular check points along the way where participants can go into the draw to win some great prizes.
A day of fun for every man, woman, child - and puppy.
At 1pm, the canine competitions will commence, with prizes awarded by local personalities for the Best Dressed Dog, Cutest Puppy, and the Dog and Owner Look-a-Like Contest. A sausage sizzle will also be available and there will be lots of fun, family activities including face painting and a visit from Santa.
Registrations cost $5 per person, with free entry for children under sixteen years of age, and can be made in advance or from 10am on the day. Participants who
register before 10th November will receive a free doggy show bag so it's a good idea to get in early.
While the walk is a great opportunity for dog owners to get together and stroll around with their hounds, the possession of a pooch is not compulsory. For those who do bring their doggies though, there are a few rules to make sure the day doesn't devolve into barking madness.
Picking up after pets is of course a must to ensure the park is kept clean, and participants are asked to keep their dogs on their leashes and stick to the walking trail. There is also a limit of two dogs per walker. Pets that display any aggressive behaviour will not be able to take part in the event for the safety of other participants – likewise, while puppy love is a wonderful thing, dogs on heat are best left at home.
An important support network for the local community.
This annual event promises to be a great day out for families and four-legged friends, and is also for a great cause. Run by
Bridges Connecting Communities, the walk helps to raise money and awareness for community programs and services, which aim to assist elderly people and people with disabilities to live independently.
With the help of volunteers, sponsors and fundraising events such as Paws for a Cause,
Bridges Connecting Communities is able to organise craft workshops and outings, which help to limit isolation and promote social interaction; provide transport for medical appointments and a community shopping bus; and run the Pet Companion Program which assists people in the community who need a little bit of help with things like grooming and walking their much-loved pets.
