This year’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk on Sunday 17 May has an impressive list of attractions, local merchandise, food stalls, gifts, pet products, the latest 2009 RSPCA merchandise and samples from Hills Science, RSPCA ‘s national sponsor There’ll also be experts on hand from Greencross Vets to answer all those animal questions plus a huge array of prizes donated by local businesses worth over $3,500.

You can also have your dog washed by HydroDog at a special rate and check out the demonstration by Animal Magic grooming. There are prizes for the dogs that win the Best Trick Competition (sponsored by the Gold Coast Obedience Training Club), prizes for Best Dressed and Pet & Person Lookalike Competitions, plus prizes for the Dog Olympics – a great spectacle.

For the kids there will be Face Painting, “GC” the Gold Coast City Council’s Big Dog, Ice Creams to You, and an RSPCA Sausage and Vegie sizzle.

And remember: if you’re bringing your dog, full vaccination & Council registration is necessary and all animals must be on a lead. Registration starts at 8.30am at Pizzey Park, or you can Early-Bird Register for a special discount (online until 8 May or by telephone until 14 May).

RSPCA spokesperson Peggy Hayes said that the Walk is the RSPCA’s most important funding raising event and the money collected goes directly to helping the 41,000 animals that rely on care and protection.

“We do hope as many people as possible will come along and join in the fun” she added.

To register, select your location at www.millionpawswalk.com.au.

Registration starts at 8.30am at Pizzey Park, Miami with the Walk getting under way about 10.30am. 

Bookings can be made now – 5586 2511 or 0405 558 301 or peghayes@rspcaqld.org.au.

Helping Animals. Enlightening People. Changing Lives

Several members of the Beenleigh Vet Hospital staff are taking part in the 2009 Kokoda Challenge - a cross country team event signifying the experience of Australian troops on the Kokoda track during the World War II.

The Kokoda Challenge is Australia's ultimate team event, combining endurance and mateship, as our teams of four trek a rugged 96kms of terrain in 39 hours.

And it's not just physically demanding - it is also a fundraising challenge.

Teams commit to raising at least $1100 to help fund the cost of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, an early intervention program for young people from all walks of life which encourages them to learn the skills and values of discipline, tolerance, respect and self worth.  Participants in the Youth Program culminate their 20 week training schedule by walking the actual Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

Our team is aiming to raise $1800 and we are seeking your assistance by making a fully tax deductible donation to our team through the Kokoda Challenge Online Donation Facility.

If you would like to find out more or sponsor our team The Decaders (team no. 28) please visit:

www.kokodachallenge.com/onlinedonation

As the fire rages across Santa Barbara in the USA and more people get evacuated from homes, hotels are helping by dropping their no-pet policies or dropping their standard pet fee, according to the L.A. Times' Daily Travel & Deal Blog.

Blogger Jen Leo brought this to her readers' attention after finding via Twitter someone who had compiled a list on their blog. On her list were hotels such as Secret Garden Inn & Cottages, the Four Seasons Biltmore and the Marina Beach Motel.

More than 2,300 firefighters are battle the blaze, which has already destroyed 75 homes.

Source: http://www..usatoday.com

Recognition for Carers

Avocado Press has just published a new 180 page book "Rescued!" with 43 stories about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Each story is illustrated, and there are eight pages of wonderful colour photographs. This is the first book of its type published in Australia, and is a mix of interesting, funny and sometimes sad stories of wildlife rescues, rehabilitation and release. Gail Gipp (Manager of the Australian Wildlife Hospital) said the book tells of "the unsung heroes" who are prepared to step in to help wildlife in their time of need, and encourages "every Australian to read this book". Tania Duratovic from IFAW said that the stories are "a pure joy" which are "rich with wisdom, inspiration and sound advice".

In December 2002, Meryl Harrison moved a large audience to tears at the BBC Animal Awards Ceremony, having been flown over from her native Zimbabwe to receive their Special Award. There she told her tale of the rescue of countless animals caught up in five years of the Zimbabwean land invasions, as farmers and families were forced from their homes to make way for Mugabe’s ‘war veterans’. Many had to leave their animals behind, and it was Meryl’s mission on behalf of the under-funded ZNSPCA to go into these destroyed farmsteads to rescue countless domestic animals and wounded livestock.

Nandi, pictured on the book-jacket of this heart-warming account of her animal rescues, is just one of the many ordinary pet dogs she managed to save.

The bravery of Meryl and her small team, as they overcame huge obstacles to find and return these traumatised pets to their loving owners, has earned her world-renown. But she didn’t do it for any human praise – she did it for the animals, the innocent victims of human folly.

This year’s organisers of RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk have issued a challenge to the businesses and organisations on the Gold Coast. To be known as the Corporate Challenge, management and staff will be encouraged to form teams to take the Walk with – or – without dogs. As well as reaping satisfaction from helping the animals of the Coast, it’s also a great opportunity for a team building exercise.

Peggy Hayes, RSPCA Gold Coast spokesperson said today that this concept has become hugely popular with the corporate sector.

“As well as the ‘feel-good’ component, it’s an opportunity for company promotion among our thousand-plus participants, and a chance for employer and employees to bond and build team spirit; plus, it’s simply a great day out,” she said.

A Corporate Kit is now available with full details. All enquiries should be directed to the Gold Coast branch office.