On Sunday August 18, a group of animal lovers, and their dogs, will leave from five different Petworld locations across the country - Castlebar, Co Mayo; Terryland, Co Galway; Athlone and Mullingar, Co Westmeath; and Portlaoise, Co Laois for a 5km dog walk in aid of local animal adoption shelters and welfare charities.
Taking place between 10am and 12pm, the Furry 5k is now in its third year. It has been a huge success in the past, raising thousands of euro for charity and giving everyone involved a fun morning, full of laughter and atmosphere, as pet lovers come together for a great cause.
The animal welfare charities need funds badly but Petworld also aim to raise awareness of responsible pet adoption, as over 10,500 dogs were handed into shelters across Ireland in 2012. Petworld aim to debunk the myths that shelter animals are wild and diseased - the reality is that they are often already trained and are always wormed and defleaed. Puppies and kittens get spayed and neutered.
With the sponsorship of Hill’s Science Plan Pet Foods and the national media coverage provided free of charge from iRadio, Petworld’s ambition is to raise €10,000 this year. But they still need the help of the animal-loving public! Sponsorship cards will be available shortly from participating branches and the goal is to raise as much as you can. There will be free treats for anyone who gets involved on the day, and light refreshments will be provided for the two-legged and four-legged walkers back at Petworld after the walk has finished. The charities that are benefiting from the dog walk are Mayo SPCA, Galway SPCA, Laois SPCA, East Galway Animal Rescue, Madra, Dr Homes, Moate Dog Rescue, and Friends of Animals Mullingar.
For more details, pop into your local Petworld branch or see www.petworlddirect.ie If you wish to donate, but can’t get involved this year, a donation can be made to www.idonate.ie/PetworldFurry5K
