Whether you own a dog or not, the SPCA Royal Canin Wiggle Waggle Walkathon on Sunday, 20 November 2011 in Tokai, Cape Town is a must for anyone who loves dogs! Last year, just over 1 700 dogs and 2 300 walkers took to the streets and organisers, Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA and dog and cat health nutrition manufacturer Royal Canin, are expecting more people and their dogs to take part in the 4,5km fun walk this year.
Starting and finishing from the School for Maths, Science and Technology on Firgrove Way, the SPCA Royal Canin Wiggle Waggle Walkathon is all about the dogs and is an opportunity for their owners, friends and family to have a fun day out with their canine friends and help raise funds for the CoGH SPCA.
“It’s such a feel-good event for everyone taking part that each year we see people traveling from across Cape Town to be part of this very special walk. You can’t help be mesmerised by the huge number and different breeds of dogs all together in one place; all getting along and happy to be walking together”, says SPCA Events Manager Juan August.
“The Wiggle Waggle’s popularity is also testament to the growing number of people who understand what it means to be a responsible pet owner, as the majority of dogs we interact with are in excellent health”, says Royal Canin Area Sales Manager, Western Cape, Lara Portlock.
And there’s another good reason to take part – the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet fundraising programme, which last year donated R17 510 to the CoGH SPCA after the 2010 walkathon, has again pledged an extra R10 to the SPCA for every dog entered.
Once the walk starts at 9am sharp, a train of dogs and walkers will meander through the streets around the school, with water points for dogs and their owners conveniently located along the route. Marshalls and traffic officials will ensure the safety of the walkers and medical and veterinary crews will be provided by the CoGH SPCA and Royal Canin to ensure everyone crosses the finish line in good shape.
Every participant will receive a goody bag at registration and after the walk the organisers will hand out spot prizes and participants will have the opportunity to discuss their dog’s nutritional needs with Royal Canin staff and veterinarian at their exhibition stand.
Before and after the event there will be a wide variety of food stalls and lots of family entertainment, such as a dog agility display, pony rides, face-painting, a jumping castle and more.
Royal Canin’s Portlock cautioned that owners with old dogs, dogs with joint problems or short-nose breeds should consider consulting with their veterinarian before committing to taking part in the walkathon. Puppies under four months are not permitted to take part and owners of large breed dogs 18 months or younger, should consider walking a shorter distance, as extended walking can put undue pressure on delicate skeletal structures and muscles and can impact their growth plates and affect joint development.
Entries cost R30 per person and R20 per dog and children in prams are free. For more information and to enter online visit www.spca-ct.co.za. Alternatively contact the CoGH SPCA on 021 700 4141/80.
