A Million Paws Walk Together!

The 18th May 2014 marked the 20th year of the RSPCA Million Paws Walk!

This year there was over 20,000 fur parents with their beloved pooches who came out to walk together against animal cruelty in Queensland alone and around 100,000 countrywide!

Over the years I have attended the “Million Paws Walk” with Corey and it was always such fun.  How many times do you get to walk your dog with literally thousands of other dogs? How often do you get to see a German Shepherd in a tutu, Maltese dressed as a bumble bee and a stately old Staffy pushed in a pram just so he can still attend the walk?

There was no way Amber and Indy were going to miss out!

We Got Branded!

I knew Amber the ever effervescent social butterfly would be in her element, thrilled to be rubbing noses and licking muzzles with all dogs small, big and bigger.  Amber was so excited pulling at the lead, desperate to get amongst the action she quickly made friends with an assortment of furry pooches from Maltese, Poodles, British Bulldogs, German Pointers and Great Danes!  She could not get enough of all the doggie smells around her!

This Is Soooo Exciting…
Even My Cousins “Jack” and “Pebbles” Are Here!

Indy was certainly more “aware” of the thousands of dogs all around him, electing to just sit still and take it all in.  He is still learning this new world around him, the sights and sounds coming from all directions along with every dog towering over him, it must be quite over-whelming.  However, after observing Amber fluttering here and there it became too impossible for his puppy curiosity, Indy made a decision to join his big sister in the excitement.

Amber Loves Penny’s Pretty Bows!

Each year the walk is officially led off by the “Black Tag” dogs (These are animals which have been seized by the Inspectorate and may require long-term care until the associated court case is finalised. While with the RSPCA, these animals are known as “Black Tags” because of the tag colour they are assigned to wear.)  It is wonderful to see these brave dogs safe from the horrible conditions they have been rescued now leading us in the walk!

Giddy Up!

As a sea of thousands of dogs and people walked together as one for a cause, I am always amazed at such a sight.  Dogs of so many different sizes, temperaments and backgrounds; Pedigree and Mixed breeds all so happy doing what dogs do and love best – enjoying the grass and clean air of the great outdoors.

A Million Paws Walk Together For A Cause!

There were two walks to choose from 1.5km (.93 miles) and 4km (2.4 miles).  With the weather being smashingly good, a very typical warm Queensland Autumn day, we choose to do the 4km walk which is an easy one for Amber and her cousins Jack and Pebbles, who met up with us just before the walk.  It was a bit much for little Indy who called it quits early on and ended up being carried.

Time For A Refreshment Stop!

As we cross the finished line exclaiming it was again such a fun day we cannot wait until this time next year vowing to do it all again!

They Did It!

Author Bio: Nikki is pack leader at Pressplay Pets, a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting. She is also proud mum to cute and cheeky Papillons ‘Amber’ and ‘Indy’ and one crazy Rainbow Lorikeet named ‘Ralph’! Follow my Facebook and Twitter.

Pressplay Pets a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting!