The dog walk will take place on Sunday, 17 March at 09:00.

Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, the five-kilometer 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, according to the event.

"Our 2020 Paws on the Promenade was a great success, with an attendance of 352 dogs. On a budget of just R3 500, we raised R48 400. 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," says Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive and event organiser.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is an NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha township, 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. 

It also sets a priority on community empowerment and education to ensure people become responsible pet owners in 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.

The event says that individuals can expect to see dogs of all shapes and sizes.

"People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes," du Plessis says.

"For the past six years, Vondi's has partnered with Mdzananda in making this event possible. It is one of our highlights of the year," says Cindy Jacobson, manager of Vondi's Holistic Pet Nutrition.

"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," Jacobson concludes.

According to the event, tickets cost:

  • R50 per person
  • R50 per dog, and
  • R25 for kids under 12.

These are available from Quicket or on the day from 08:00.

Raffle prizes, products sales, delicious coffee, food and crafts will be available. The first 100 dogs to arrive will also receive a free goodie bag. All pet owners are encouraged to dress up in a dog outfit or to wear something orange, which is the Mdzananda Animal Clinic brand.

For more information, visit www.mdzananda.co.za or the event on Facebook.

*Image courtesy of contributor