Helderberg residents and those from surrounding areas will soon get the fun chance to participate in a dog walk hosted in their own region in the Helderberg Charity Dog Walk Paws for a Cause, in support of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS): Helderberg.
Julia Evans, General Manager of the Animal Welfare Society: Helderberg, says to her knowledge this is the first charity dog walk of this nature in support of the Helderberg AWS.
Laodi Towsen, from Gordon’s Bay, from Helderberg Dogs Community, the organisers of the event, says the Helderberg AWS was chosen because as a local resident she wanted to host a charity the first of its kind on the Gordon’s Bay doggy beach for its local animal welfare organisation.
Entry is free but participants are asked to bring a donation. “We welcome anyone and everyone,” she says.
The AWS Helderberg provide animal welfare services to surrendered dogs and cats at their facility. “We also have a veterinary division on site, providing services to those who cannot afford private, plus a mobile vehicle that runs daily and services certain communities that have no access to transport.
“A small inspectorate provides assistance with complaints, strays and medical emergencies,” says Ms Evans.
At their facility in Gordon’s Bay, the local animal welfare organisation cares for an average of about 240 animals on site daily and medical consultations and procedures can average to around 45 animals seen per day.
The current and most urgent needs of the AWS: Helderberg, says Ms Evans is funding to cover medical expenses and their running costs.
The organisation expressed gratitude to not only the possibility of funds raised but welcomed the social aspect of the walk and the impact it will have on the well-being of their furry residents. Ms Evans says: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this event, and it provides an opportunity for some of our kennel dogs to get off site and socialise with other animals and people.”
The dog walk will take place on Saturday September 28, at 10am. The route will start at the Gordon’s Bay Doggy beach and end at the same place.
To enter participants must bring along a donation of R20 or any dry dog or cat food. Participants can also opt to sponsor a dog or cat kennel.
All participating dogs should be on leash and dog walkers should not forget to bring along their poop bags. Ms Towsen does ask that no aggressive canines participate.
The Helderberg Dogs Community is a local group for dogs and their owners and they are looking for assistance from local businesses to sponsor them and get involved in the work they do.
Contact Ms Towsen for more information about the charity walk on 072 875 9480.
