News
Community Dog Walk-It’s going to be doggone great!
9th October, 2008
If your dog is one of your best friends, if you enjoy physical activity and like to support community events the annual East Grampians Health Service "Community Dog Walk" might be an activity that you will not want to miss.
East Grampians Health Service had a great response from last year's event, with lots of fun enjoyed by dogs, owners and children. The Community Dog Walk will be part of the Golden Gateway festivities and will be held at Alexandra Gardens on Friday 24th October with a 10.00 am start.
This year the Ararat Canine Obedience Club will provide an obedience and agility display. Dog owners and their loved canines will get the opportunity to have a go with the clubs agility equipment. Helen Spencer the Club Instructor will be on hand to guide all participants through the course.
Canine participants and people and groups of all ages, abilities and fitness levels are invited to attend and enjoy a brisk walk or stroll around the lake at their own pace. Tails should be wagging furiously with excitement, especially with prizes to be won.
The main 1st Prize is being awarded by the Woofer Washer. Owner Amanda Schwab can assist with hydro bathing and clipping, with bookings for this service taken on the day.
Also sponsoring the event will be Bond's Feed Barn who will be offering ‘dog treats' on the day.
If available on the day the award winning HM Ararat Prison Dog Squad will be in attendance.
Ararat Rural City's Geoff Waller has organised "Doggie Do" bags so owners can do the right thing on the day. All dogs are to be on leads with owners responsible for the obedience and responsible handling of their dogs.
The Ararat Rural City also would like to remind pet owners of their obligation to care for your pet as you would any other member of your family. Proper feeding, proper and regular exercise, proper discipline and love.
Just like children, teaching your pet simple obedience skills and social interaction with other animals and humans can be rewarding and fun, but best of all it can eliminate common nuisances and make your pet a joy to spend time with.
Council also reminds all owners and prospective owners that as of the 10th of April 2007, it is compulsory for all new animals that are to be registered with Council to be micro-chipped before registration. Micro-chipping your pet does not cause the animal any pain or discomfort, has a nominal cost of between $35 and $50 and is a means of permanent identification. Importantly micro-chipping your pet greatly assists all Councils in returning your pet at the earliest convenience and shows how much you love and care for them.
Ararat Rural City Council will be holding another "Pet Micro-chipping Day" in April 2009 when you can get your pet micro-chipped at a special reduced rate.
For further information on the ‘Community Dog Walk' please contact Sue Cashin at East Grampians Health Service Community Centre Tel: 5352 9327
