Community goes barkers for a good cause
Cancer occurs among dogs, especially those with a light skin or white patches on the face. This walk was to honour those that had died as well as the survivors.
MBOMBELA – How much is that doggy in the window? I imagine this song will remain in your mind for the rest of the day.
Vasti sang it at the second annual Bark for Life canine event held last Saturday at Hoërskool Bergvlam.
Cancer occurs among dogs, especially those with a light skin or white patches on the face. This walk was to honour those that had died as well as the survivors.
Entry-fee money was donated to CANSA and the dog-food donations went to Pro-Life and the SPCA. “I saw this in America at a congress which I attended,” says Riaan Loubser who is one of the volunteers on the Bark for Life project. A request, via CANSA South Africa to the Americans, was approved and the idea which was started in the Lowveld, is now spreading with 10 events taking place throughout the country.
Lowvelder spoke briefly to the very passionate sponsors and animal lovers of this event, Jock Nutritional and Cat Box Nelspruit and it was like opening an encyclopaedia. Suddenly, dog food was no longer just dog food – young canines, older ones and various breeds had specific dietary requirements to keep them ship-shape and of course, exercise was also very important. This then, was one of the reasons, the small group of owners and their hounds paraded on the school yard.
While watching all of this, I wondered who was enjoying it more – owners or dogs? Small dogs, big dogs, all were doing what canines do – smelling and checking the competition and dragging their owners with them!
What was absolutely clear though was that dogs adored their owners and vice versa.
Loubser referred to research that showed that dogs appeared to be happier when humans entered their space rather than others of their kind. And, yes, humans were happier when dogs, rather than other humans, entered their space. Fascinating thought.
The event included the best-dressed dog, owners look-alike and various other fun activities. A training demonstration by Pam Hughes of Lowveld Dog Training School was also a part of the mix.
Remember a disciplined and obedient dog benefits both itself and the owner – you’d better believe it!
For more info visit CANSA Nelspruit’s Facebook page.
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