Autumn in Canberra is a beautiful time to be outside and, just like us, our pooches appreciate a couple of hours spent in the crisp air surrounded by falling leaves. Locals are invited to make their pet’s entire season by bringing them to an event with all their favourite things, all for a good cause at the RSPCA ACT Million Paws Walk at Patrick White Lawns on Sunday 28 May.

The event kicks off at 9am with stall holders, information hubs and tasty snacks and beverages on offer. Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for you and your pooch to participate in competitions like the best dressed, activities, and play with other dogs.

“Be aware of your dog’s tolerance,” says RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson. “Some dogs are very chill, they can hang out here the whole day but if your dog is more of a get-in, get-out sort of dog then just time it so that you’re around for the walk.”

There are a couple of requirements to bring your dog, says Ms Robertson; they must be up to date on their vaccinations and remain on the lead for the walk. They also have a few recommendations – that your pooch is sociable, friendly with all other creatures, and okay in crowded environments.

The duration of the walk depends on your pace, generally taking about 30 minutes to do the circuit. Attendees are welcome to bring as many dogs as they can safely walk. However, with the rising popularity of cats hitting the town, Ms Robertson wanted to remind pet owners that not all occasions are suitable for all furry friends.

“Some people walk their cats on harnesses and the cats are really good around dogs. Not all dogs are good with cats and because it’s such a big event, I wouldn’t recommend it for the safety of your cat,” she says.

Watching the dog lovers set off with their canines is an emotional moment for the CEO, who says it is moving to see dogs of all shapes and sizes that are loved by owners who want to help other animals.

“The trees are changing colour and it’s just spectacular and we’ve got the beautiful lake, you come out with your best mate – your dog – and you come for a walk so you enjoy the day but it’s also for a purpose,” she says.

Taking a stand to fight animal cruelty, the funds raised through the event go directly towards helping care for the animals sheltered at the RSPCA ACT facility. Ms Robertson says they have been unbelievably full, their waitlist grows longer each week, and animals are also staying longer than they used to.

“They have medical issues, we have had a lot of older cats coming in so and the older the animal, generally speaking, it means that there’s some complexity,” explains Ms Robertson.

One of the longest guests is Clayton, a 15-month-old Kelpie who was found tied to a pole at just a few months old. Spending over a year in care, Clayton is yet to find his forever home.

“He’s just gorgeous, it’s so heartbreaking. The shelter is a safe place but it’s supposed to be a temporary place, we want a home. It’s loving but it’s not a home,” she says.

When taking home a new pet, owners should be expecting to spend the pet’s life together, says Ms Robertson, in sickness and in health. She says considering potential costs when taking home a pet means any vet bills that might come with it and suggests putting money aside in the budget and looking into pet insurance.

In an ideal world, animals could also access their own Medicare scheme, she says. “I’ve never seen affordability be such an issue in pet ownership and as many animals become unwell.”

However, try as you might, sometimes people find they can no longer care for their pets in the way they need. Ms Robertson says it isn’t because people want to surrender their pets, but because circumstances have changed. Finances, personal health or any number of things can lead to making the heartbreaking decision to surrender their pet.

“They make that heartbreaking decision and it’s a selfless decision. It’s because they love their pets, that they say ‘well, I can’t provide this for my pet, please find another home that can’.”

Wanting to help every pet find a home, the RSPCA desperately needs funding and volunteers, which is why events like the Million Paws Walk are vital to the organisation.

Canberra Daily readers are invited to save 30 per cent of their MPW entry price with the discount code CANWEEKLY30.

Register for the Million Paws Walk in Canberra on Sunday 28 May 9am via millionpawswalk.com.au

Find out more about RSPCA ACT at rspca-act.org.au

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