UPDATE: Over 300 Paws Hitting Sea Point Promenade! Here’s How to Get Involved

Update: Mdzananda Animal Clinic has had to unfortunately postpone the Paws on the Promenade event, and have released a statement below:

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the postponement of our Paws on the Promenade dog walk fundraiser due to a technical hitch with the venue. It was planned for Sunday 29 October at the Mouille Point Lighthouse and we’re moving it to March next year – details will be shared then!”

Original story:

Humans and four legged friends are invited to strut their stuff at the sixth Paws on the Promenade – a dog walk fundraiser by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Khayelitsha, in partnership with Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition. After a two-year break due to Covid-19, the event is back by pawpular demand. This event is also in celebration of the organisation’s 27^th birthday.

The dog walk will take place on Sunday the 29th of October at 9am. 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.

“Our 2020 Paws on the Promenade was a great success with an attendance of 352 dogs. On a budget of just R3500 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 1500 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, continuous sterilisations, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and homeless pet shelter. They also set a priority on community empowerment and education to ensure people become responsible pet ownership into 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.

Expect to see dogs of all shapes and sizes. “People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes,” says du Plessis. There will be Dalmatians in tutus, Dachshunds in hot dog outfits and Pomeranians with bow ties.

“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 Paul Jacobson, owner 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.”

Everyone is invited – humans without four legged friends are welcome too. A small number of homeless dogs for adoption will be at the event. To “rent a dog”, you can email marcelle@mdzananda.co.za.

Tickets cost R50 per person, R50 per dog and R25 for kids under 12. These are available from Quicket here or on the day from 08:00. 

Raffle prizes, products sales, delicious coffee, food and crafts will entertain you on the day. The first 100 dogs to arrive will also receive a free goodie bag.

All pet owners are encouraged to dress up in Halloween style or to wear something orange, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic brand.

For more information visit the official Mdzananda website or check out the Facebook event.