Saturday, 6 July 2013 00:00
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Former street dogs and the ‘Pashionable People’ who have given them homes are to have their day in the limelight when Odel’s community animal welfare program Embark provides them an opportunity to strut their stuff next month.
A fashion show, dog show, dog grooming and doggy art are only some of the colourful events planned for Sunday 21 July at the CH&FC Grounds in Colombo, a day dedicated to the people whose passion for the cause of Embark has resulted in the adoption street dogs becoming quite the fashion in Sri Lanka.
As a first step, Odel has once again invited happy owners of dogs rescued off the streets to participate in an owner-pooch photo competition by sending in photographs of themselves with their adopted doggy companions. This ‘Be a Pashionable Person’ competition is currently open for participation and will run till 27 June, after which nine winners will be selected for a communications campaign with the message that owning a street dog is fashionable, and the right thing to do. Entries for the competition should be sent to [email protected].
The event that will take place on 21 July is open to anyone that has adopted a street dog. Prior registration is required to bring in dogs to this event. Registration can be done by calling 0772240044 or emailing [email protected]. The event will be open to public viewing at the CH&FC grounds, for those who come in without dogs.
Activities planned for the 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. event include a fashion show; dog portraits and caricatures by professional artists who will draw the owners and their dogs; dog grooming at special rates; an activity to bring out the artist in the dogs and their owners and a dog show designed to enable the abilities of street pooches to be demonstrated in categories such as costumes, obedience, tricks and games.
Launched in 2007, the Embark program has improved the lives of more than 30,000 street dogs, and built a large base of followers who have adopted the brand’s youthful, tongue-in-cheek slogans on fashionable clothing as well as its animal-related cause with enthusiasm. The program’s key activities encompass anti-rabies vaccinations, sterilisation surgeries, re-homing campaigns, and caring for injured street dogs. Embark works closely with partners and service providers, and carries out all community activities in collaboration with local government and regional departments.
For further information about the ‘Pashionable People’ campaign, please contact 0772240044 or write to [email protected].
