20 May 2013

Million Paws Walk 2013

| johnboy
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MPW13

We’ve just returned from the very fulfilling and slightly exhausting Million Paws Walk for 2013.

The Kelpie of Few Accomplishments was resplendent in his bandana and plodded dutifully along for the entire inner lake loop.

As a fundraiser for the local RSPCA it was a great event.

Getting there at 9.30 it was already busy with dozens of stalls catering to both humans and dogs.

As the 11 approached the crowd gathered around the entrance and then a very long wait ensued as the horde slowly got started walking around the lake not helped by the plonkers who for some reason got through the gate and then stopped in the path.

Bowen Place was once again an atrocity (thankfully to be fixed before too long).

But the weather was lovely, the humans and dogs were in good humour, and it was a delightful walk.

If you’ve got pictures feel free to send them in to images@the-riotact.com and I’ll put them up.

Threepaws has sent in a slew to kick off the slideshow:

The RSPCA has had this to say about today’s jam packed event:

Michael Linke, CEO of RSPCA ACT, today thanked the Canberra community for their support of Million Paws Walk. In its eighth year at Stage 88, Sunday’s walk saw the biggest crowd to attend the event in its history, with over 12,000 people and almost 4,500 dogs

“Canberrans should be very proud of the turnout to this event each and every year. Of the 70 walks across the country, Canberra’s is the third largest” Mr Linke said. “It is uplifting for our dedicated staff and volunteers to see so many people support this event.”

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher cut the ribbon to launch the walk around Lake Burley Griffin. Participants enjoyed a stunning Canberra autumn day with over 70 stalls to browse and on stage entertainment throughout the day.

Money raised from Million Paws Walk each year goes directly into animal care at the RSPCA shelter in Weston. As well as caring for over 8,000 animals each year, including dogs, cats, small animals, wildlife and livestock, RSPCA ACT offers a number of programs to support pet owners in the Canberra community. With over 92% of dogs finding a home, as well as an unparalleled figure of 90% of kittens, RSPCA ACT is committed to improving animal welfare in the ACT.

“We saw many people walking without a dog this year – whether they were walking on behalf of an animal at home, or simply walking to support the valuable work of RSPCA, we would like to thank each and every person, and the one cat and one pig, who joined us on Sunday” Mr Linke said.

This year saw a local fundraising team raise the most money of any team in the country. Team Jim Jam, raising funds for RSPCA ACT in memory of Jamie-Leigh Lynch, raised in excess of $13,500 – a wonderful achievement.

[Photo by PeterPaul]

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vet111 said :

T1G3R said :

I hate the RSPCA, they treated me like crap when my niece and I went to find our geriatric cat. Of course she couldn’t hear properly and has gotten lazy to clean herself while she was missing. They accused me of so many animal welfare issues and then insult to injure they didn’t accept our money for their lost and found fee, “we don’t want your money, take your cat to the vet”. So i did just that, and the vet cleared her and said “she’s an old cat of course shes gonna have these issues and they cant be helped”. Thankfully they decided to leave me alone and my local vet can vouch for me.

Makes me sick how they treated me, if I didn’t give a shit about that cat I wouldn’t have even bothered to look for the poor old dear. They should focus their attention on the real feral owners than genuine people looking for their lost pet.

Erm, how did you lose your cat? Could it be she was not restrained in a manner befitting of a RESPONSIBLE pet owner? I can’t believe you actually have the nerve to criticise the agency that in all likelihood saved your cat from being run over/attacked by dogs/lost etc.

Cats get out, all it takes is a visitor tradie or courier to knock on the door and any animal can wander out. Not the first time shes followed people home either I don’t see the RSPCA picking up strays its usually the ranger and/or locals that find lost pets. I also have all the right to be pissed when i’m spoken down to by a receptionist when i had my cats best interest at heart… as much as they thought they had the right to be absolute douche bags to me when i was genuinely looking for my lost cat.

patrick_keogh2:59 pm 21 May 13

Genie said :

I ran in the Mother’s Day classic only 2 weeks earlier. At several ‘entry points’ along the route there were signs up stating ‘event in process’ I think it also said please keep clear or something er rather..

But didn’t come across any disgruntled cyclists, runners, segway people at all.

The MDC is significantly more compatible with the cycling use of the same route because of the smaller difference in speed and the greater “keep left” discipline that runners have over dogs or even their owners.

However one BIG difference was that for the MDC closed one lane of Kings Av. northbound, thereby entirely removing the tightest squeeze point where the potential for conflict with other users is greatest.

Perhaps this is the model for future weekend use? One northbound lane of Kings Av and one southbound lane of Comm Av closed to motor vehicles between dawn and dusk on Saturdays and Sundays?

I ran in the Mother’s Day classic only 2 weeks earlier. At several ‘entry points’ along the route there were signs up stating ‘event in process’ I think it also said please keep clear or something er rather..

But didn’t come across any disgruntled cyclists, runners, segway people at all.

patrick_keogh8:57 am 21 May 13

Jere13 said :

I mean, sure, let’s share the path, but this is once a year for an hour.

A fair fraction of those who blundered into the MPW probably didn’t know that it was on. In any event this same loop is used for many other fundraising walks, jog-alongs etc. not to mention the slow-moving and barely manoeuvrable obstacles that are the Segways, especially in the spring and autumn so there is frequently contention of a weekend. It is hard to avoid, especially since the two bridges are also key point-to-point routes for people north or south, headed into Civic, the bus depot markets or whatever. Imagine if the two bridges were closed to road traffic for this period. Even midweek the number of civic commuters who park south of the lake and use the two bridges is increasing contention in working peak hours.

The problem especially on the bridges is only going to get worse unless we do something about it. Some possibilities:
– a dedicated bike lane on Comm Av Bridge that is only used on weekend daytime or when a special event is on, temporarily removing one car lane. Much like there are time-based lane changes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, exits from the Eastern Distributor, the Southern Expressway in Adelaide etc.
– a dedicated bike lane on Comm Av Bridge that is made by squeezing the car lanes a little
– making the shared paths on Comm Av one way
– making one shared path on Comm Av pedestrian only, the other bike-only
– through some miracle getting all users to have lane discipline
– or (certain to be the RA favourite) just blaming one or more groups of users and thinking this will help.

dungfungus said :

Does this mean Tony Abbott hates dogs?

Definitely a cat man, and you know what they reckon about men who like cats.

vet111 said :

T1G3R said :

I hate the RSPCA, they treated me like crap when my niece and I went to find our geriatric cat. Of course she couldn’t hear properly and has gotten lazy to clean herself while she was missing. They accused me of so many animal welfare issues and then insult to injure they didn’t accept our money for their lost and found fee, “we don’t want your money, take your cat to the vet”. So i did just that, and the vet cleared her and said “she’s an old cat of course shes gonna have these issues and they cant be helped”. Thankfully they decided to leave me alone and my local vet can vouch for me.

Makes me sick how they treated me, if I didn’t give a shit about that cat I wouldn’t have even bothered to look for the poor old dear. They should focus their attention on the real feral owners than genuine people looking for their lost pet.

Erm, how did you lose your cat? Could it be she was not restrained in a manner befitting of a RESPONSIBLE pet owner? I can’t believe you actually have the nerve to criticise the agency that in all likelihood saved your cat from being run over/attacked by dogs/lost etc.

Er, cats can escape you know.

I’ve had problems with the RSPCA too – sold me a kitten with Feline HIV. She had to go to god a few months later after horrendous problems. RSPCA denied all knowledge and wouldn’t communicate with me. Still breaks my heart.

That said, I still support them, but I am nervous of getting another puss thru them.

What a great day it was, but I really do question the wisdom of those cyclists/runners who despite seeing the large crowd coming their way, decided to make a point/stand by deciding to continue coming towards the large pack of people, even if it meant annoying eveyone as they forced their way along the bridge.

I mean, sure, let’s share the path, but this is once a year for an hour.

Wilco said :

Totally agree JB. Only downside was a cyclist or two who seemed aggrieved by the million paws monopoly of the footpath, and whose anger was reflected via aggressive bell ringing directed at the assembled multitude.

Yep. Guy in his late 40’s early 50’s? My party was at the back of the walk, was amused to see this bloke ride up past Regatta point, hit the tail end of the field at the bridge just past the jetty there, and begin Cranky Ringfest 2013. Can’t fathom why he persisted, when the crowd were clearly visible stretching all the way across Kings Ave bridge and beyond by that point.

But by far my favorite was the woman in the black Something Something Half Marathon t-shirt and shorts who ran counter-clockwise around the lake, apparently barefoot. Would have had to go through the entire pack, at some points (like ours) twice. Bet her feet smelled divine by the end of that run.

The dog is the Pic is my Pug – Daisy.

The PM did have her dog with her – a brown cavalier * poodle.

taninaus said :

Dingoman25 said :

dungfungus said :

johnboy said :

She did get a dog for her birthday a couple of years ago.

Given the publicity Julia Gillard and Tim (her partner) received in the Faifax Media and on the ABC when they got the dog a couple of years ago, I am astonished even one Rioter had the temerity to suggest she borrowed the dog for the occasion.
Even Bolt and Murdoch know that I’m sure.

The PM’s dog Rueben is a Cavoodle. That looks like a pug in the photo (and probably belongs to the lady holding it?).

Yes the lady in blue owns the very cute pug. just nice to see Julia be personable and support the event.

Does this mean Tony Abbott hates dogs?

Dingoman25 said :

dungfungus said :

johnboy said :

She did get a dog for her birthday a couple of years ago.

Given the publicity Julia Gillard and Tim (her partner) received in the Faifax Media and on the ABC when they got the dog a couple of years ago, I am astonished even one Rioter had the temerity to suggest she borrowed the dog for the occasion.
Even Bolt and Murdoch know that I’m sure.

The PM’s dog Rueben is a Cavoodle. That looks like a pug in the photo (and probably belongs to the lady holding it?).

Yes the lady in blue owns the very cute pug. just nice to see Julia be personable and support the event.

DrKoresh said :

Was that really Gillard’s dog?

Serious question.

We don’t need a dog-gate with everything else we’ve got going at the moment. It was her dog apparently, but even if it weren’t, who gives a crap?

Would have been better if she’d had Krudd wearing a collar and on the lead instead.

DrKoresh said :

Was that really Gillard’s dog?

Serious question.

We don’t need a dog-gate with everything else we’ve got going at the moment. It was her dog apparently, but even if it weren’t, who gives a crap?

Seems like somewhat of an overreaction to a pretty tame question.

The one in the middle looks like yet another viable alternative to Gillard at the next election.

Was that really Gillard’s dog?

Serious question.

We don’t need a dog-gate with everything else we’ve got going at the moment. It was her dog apparently, but even if it weren’t, who gives a crap?

dungfungus said :

johnboy said :

She did get a dog for her birthday a couple of years ago.

Given the publicity Julia Gillard and Tim (her partner) received in the Faifax Media and on the ABC when they got the dog a couple of years ago, I am astonished even one Rioter had the temerity to suggest she borrowed the dog for the occasion.
Even Bolt and Murdoch know that I’m sure.

The PM’s dog Rueben is a Cavoodle. That looks like a pug in the photo (and probably belongs to the lady holding it?).

T1G3R said :

I hate the RSPCA, they treated me like crap when my niece and I went to find our geriatric cat. Of course she couldn’t hear properly and has gotten lazy to clean herself while she was missing. They accused me of so many animal welfare issues and then insult to injure they didn’t accept our money for their lost and found fee, “we don’t want your money, take your cat to the vet”. So i did just that, and the vet cleared her and said “she’s an old cat of course shes gonna have these issues and they cant be helped”. Thankfully they decided to leave me alone and my local vet can vouch for me.

Makes me sick how they treated me, if I didn’t give a shit about that cat I wouldn’t have even bothered to look for the poor old dear. They should focus their attention on the real feral owners than genuine people looking for their lost pet.

Erm, how did you lose your cat? Could it be she was not restrained in a manner befitting of a RESPONSIBLE pet owner? I can’t believe you actually have the nerve to criticise the agency that in all likelihood saved your cat from being run over/attacked by dogs/lost etc.

johnboy said :

She did get a dog for her birthday a couple of years ago.

Given the publicity Julia Gillard and Tim (her partner) received in the Faifax Media and on the ABC when they got the dog a couple of years ago, I am astonished even one Rioter had the temerity to suggest she borrowed the dog for the occasion.
Even Bolt and Murdoch know that I’m sure.

c_c™ said :

I know for a fact that some of the pets of pollies and candidates were borrowed.

So what? I’ve borrowed dogs in the past for the walk as well, it’s not a big deal.

More photos in from Ishai Sagi at Canberra Dachshunds.

I know for a fact that some of the pets of pollies and candidates were borrowed.

And once again, Linke’s dog, despite being a “dangerous” American Pit Bull, failed to kill everyone.

The news seemed to show Julia Gillard walking with an ill-trained smallish dog. Did she do the whole walk?

I hate the RSPCA, they treated me like crap when my niece and I went to find our geriatric cat. Of course she couldn’t hear properly and has gotten lazy to clean herself while she was missing. They accused me of so many animal welfare issues and then insult to injure they didn’t accept our money for their lost and found fee, “we don’t want your money, take your cat to the vet”. So i did just that, and the vet cleared her and said “she’s an old cat of course shes gonna have these issues and they cant be helped”. Thankfully they decided to leave me alone and my local vet can vouch for me.

Makes me sick how they treated me, if I didn’t give a shit about that cat I wouldn’t have even bothered to look for the poor old dear. They should focus their attention on the real feral owners than genuine people looking for their lost pet.

Wonders will never cease. A bicycle with a bell and the rider used it.

Wonders will never cease, a bicycle with a bell and it was used by the rider.

GardeningGirl5:50 pm 19 May 13

Aw, lovely. 🙂
That costume at #2 is so clever!

I want to know more about the cat that went along. “What the f*** have you brought me here for? There’s thousands of the dumb mutts!”

If we’d been in town to take our dog along, he’d have been kept in line by the cat, but he’d probably have tried to mount the pig.

switch said :

A bicyclist rang their bell on a shared path? Wonders will never cease!

Fortunately, any intended warning effect was totally lost on the canine participants, much to the irritation of the cyclists and the amusement of us mere mortals who were enjoying a once a year stroll around the lake.

A bicyclist rang their bell on a shared path? Wonders will never cease!

Totally agree JB. Only downside was a cyclist or two who seemed aggrieved by the million paws monopoly of the footpath, and whose anger was reflected via aggressive bell ringing directed at the assembled multitude.

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