Animal lovers and their furry friends are invited to strut their stuff at the seventh Paws on the Promenade, a dog walk fundraiser by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic on Sunday 13 April.
Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, the five-kilometre route will extend to the Sea Point swimming pool and back. Shorter turnaround points for old, tired and injured pets (or humans) will also be available.
Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive and event organiser, said: “Our 2024 Paws on the Promenade was a great success with an attendance of 325 dogs, 1 cat and 614 humans. On a budget of just R4 475 we raised R45 786. We hope to raise even more funds with this year’s event. This, however, all depends on how many wonderful dogs and humans join us for the walk.”
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is an NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha serving up to 1 500 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, continuous sterilisations, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and homeless pet shelter.
They also set a priority on community empowerment and education to ensure people become responsible pet owners into the future. “Our budget keeps growing year on year due to the demand for our services. It is essential for us to diversify our fundraising. Paws on the Promenade is a great fundraiser but also a magnificent fun-filled event for the whole family,” says Du Plessis.
Expect to see dogs of all shapes and sizes. “People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes,” says Du Plessis. There will be Dalmatians in tutus, Dachshunds in hot dog outfits and Pomeranians with bow ties.
Cindy Jacobson, manager of Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition, said they have been part of the event for the past seven years.
“The route is one of the most scenic routes in Cape Town, making it a wonderful walk for dogs and owners alike.
“We support Mdzananda because of their excellent professionalism and the impact they make in the Khayelitsha community, educating pet owners and treating sick pets that would otherwise have little to no help.”
Tickets cost R50 per person, R50 per dog and R25 for kids under 12 and is available via Quicket.
