Adopted pooches return to raise funds

Saturday, 2 October 2010 00:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

“Embark” launches first ever walk for those left behind

Happily re-homed street dogs are to return to the street in support of those still languishing without homes, at a walk organized by Embark, the cause dedicated to the welfare of community animals.

Accompanied by their human companions, these former canine castaways are to assemble at ODEL Alexandra Place on Sunday, 10 October and walk in colourful procession along C. W. W. Kannangara Mawatha, Green Path, and Dharmapala Mawatha and return to their point of origin.

The event is organised to commemorate World Animal Day, which falls annually on 4 October.

This first ever ‘Embark Walk’ is intended to demonstrate that many street dogs have become much-loved pets in fashionable city and suburban homes of people who care, and to raise funds for the cause of those less fortunate.

“Embark has been responsible for the successful re-homing of nearly 200 puppies rescued off the streets,” said Ishan Fernando, Assistant Manager Corporate Responsibility at ODEL. “But there are many more community dogs that need help, and this walk will, we hope, generate greater visibility for the work that is being done and convince more people to adopt street dogs.”

This 2.4km walk for a cause is open to anyone who owns a ‘street pooch’ who pays Rs 500 to participate, but pure bred dogs are also welcome. The ticket includes a health check and a grooming session for each dog by experts at the end of the walk.

A dog ‘Grooming’ event will follow the walk at ODEL Alexandra Place. A grooming session and a health check would be available for just Rs 1,000 for the dogs of those who do not participate in the walk, organizers said.

The walk is scheduled to begin at 7.30 am, and the grooming sessions will take place from 10 am to 2pm on 10th October at ODEL Alexandra Place.

Participation in the Embark walk is by registration via the Embark website www.embark.lk or via registration forms at ODEL stores. Registrations close on Thursday, 7th October. More information can be obtained by calling 0777 696 700 or 0773 429 025.

Launched in March 2007 to improve the welfare and reduce the population of community dogs, the Embark programme comprises of multifaceted interactive community projects encompassing puppy re-homing, public awareness campaigns, sterilization clinics and caring for injured stray animals. Since its inception, Embark has sterilized 4,286 strays, and treated many injured dogs.