RSPCA Succeeds 16 Years in a Row

All photos thanks to The Million Paws Walk.

By GEORGIA KELLY-BAKKER.

This year marked the 16^th Annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk and once again it was a great success.

The event, which raises thousands for the RSPCA, hosts walks all across the country and for Adelaide it was again at Elder Park.

Held in Adelaide on Sunday, it is estimated more than 6000 people and at least 4000 dogs took part in South Australia alone.

South Australian RSPCA Chief Executive Officer Neale Sutton was pleased with the turn out.

“This is the 16th Million Paws Walk and once again we have had a great turnout,” Mr Sutton said.

“It is a very social event for both the two and four legged participants.

“But it’s much more than that – The Million Paws Walk is an opportunity to stand up for animal welfare, to help creatures that are less fortunate.”

The Million Paws Walk is not just about the walk though, with other fundraising events taking place as well.

Many employees from Aussie Pooch Mobile once again volunteered their time and facilities to fundraise by washing dogs.

Mikki Lim volunteered at the event for the second time and said this year was even better than last year.

“Yeah it was good; there were lots of dogs, lots more than last year,” Mikki said.

“It was even better when the sun came out, it was a beautiful day.”

There were also more operators this year, which meant they could wash 63 dogs.

This put a smile on many owners faces as their dogs came out smelling great, but for the dogs it was still about the walk and sniffing their canine friends.

“It’s a big day for dogs, lots of them are very nervous,” Mikki said.

“They are looking right left right left, trying to work it all out.”

The walk isn’t just for dogs; one of the volunteers even washed a pet pig.

“Duncan [another dog washer] washed him and even blowed dried the pig,” Mikki said.

“He squealed a bit but other than that he was fine.”

The people attending also enjoyed the event.

Jess Hyson brought her schnoodle (schnauzer x poodle) named Eddie.

“I started going even before I owned a dog because I am a dog lover and thought it would be a fun day out,” Jess said.

“I think it is a good cause, as not only does it raise money for charity, it also gets people out exercising and socialising their dogs.

“My only complaint would be that once again they sold out of bandanas by the time we got there and the provided water bowls probably needed to be changed more frequently because they were dirty and none of our dogs would drink from them.”

Bandanas and water bowls aside, Miss Hyson is planning to come to the event again next year as she and Eddie the dog had a great time.

South Australian RSPCA Chief Executive Officer Neale Sutton is also happy knowing more animals will receive the care they need.

“Funds raised will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of abandoned, sick and injured animals in South Australia,” Mr Sutton said.

The 2011 event raised more than $120,000 for animals in need.

The RSPCA believes it is on track for another good result this year, but the final figure won’t be known until the fundraising component ends next month.