It's not often that the entire family can enjoy time together in the great outdoors – with the family pooch coming along too! This must be one of the reasons for the success of the annual 1000 Paws Walk for SPCA, which takes place this year on Sunday 12 July at the usual venue: Hilton College outside Pietermaritzburg. It's a great way to celebrate the outdoor in the wonderful KZN Midlands' countryside, with a choice of an easy 2km walk around the school sports grounds or the more challenging but lovely 4km trail through the plantations on the school borders overlooking the Albert Falls dam. Walkers without dogs will also enjoy the opportunity to stretch their legs in these safe and scenic surroundings. In addition to the relaxed festival atmosphere, it's also a wonderful way to support the three local SPCA branches that care for the area's needy animals of all shapes and sizes: the Pietermaritzburg, uMngeni (Howick) and Mooi River branches of this worthy animal welfare organisation that relies on public support for funds.
If a walk isn't appealing then come along for the arena events and activities. Be wowed by the growling majesty of various motorbikes from several biker clubs. Chuckle at the various dog-and-owner competitions – and maybe enter, there are great prizes to be won! Clap along to the talented Dancing with Dogs display, be impressed by obedience routines from Funda Nenja and the Midlands K9 dog-and-kids educational projects, and hold your breath at the skills of the canine agility course entrants. Chance your luck with the 'lucky plate' skydiving demonstration, where if a skydiver lands on your plate you're a winner. Amble around the stalls and pick up bargains and treats at the various food outlets. There is also a beer garden and tea tent to quench that post-walk thirst. The dogs will be accommodated with bowls for drinking and paddling placed throughout the grounds and walks, and vets are on duty throughout the day.
The 1000 Paws Walk for SPCA is the major annual fundraising event for the three Midlands branches of the SPCA, and funds raised will help support the dedicated and ongoing work to prevent cruelty to all living creatures, including domestic pets, livestock, wildlife, birds, reptiles and fish, with a focus on education and assistance to impoverished communities. The SPCA receives no funding from national government and all SPCA branches are required to source funding from their own areas to survive, making this event a significant opportunity to support the SPCA.
So make a note – it's Sunday 12 July. Entrance is R40 per person, R10 per dog, with kids under 12 enjoying free entry. The gates and walks open at 9am, with the walks closing off at noon, when people and their pets can head back to enjoy the many options for a tasty lunch and take in the entertainment at the main arena. Pack a rucksack, check that your walking shoes still fit, and we'll see you there! It's a great day of fun in the sun, and you'll be doing something for the animals of your community too!