Homelessness Week starts today and runs until 9 August. Tweed charity Head Over Hooves is focusing on those experiencing homelessness and hardship, together with their pets, via their Lend A Paw program and the forthcoming canine social event of the year, the Lend a Paw Doggy Fun Day, which will raise much needed funds to help people and pets in need.
More than 20,000 companion animals are estimated to belong to Australians experiencing housing crisis. That equates to 20 to 30 per cent of people experiencing homelessness. Yet most crisis and emergency accommodation do not allow pets, and many will choose to remain homeless rather than abandon their beloved companion.
While most of these pets are dogs, there are also cats, birds and other species. What they all provide is vital emotional support, lower rates of isolation, exercise and security, and for some people their whole reason for being.
Lend A Paw
The Lend A Paw program provides pet food, and supplies, such as warm coats, parasite control, treats and toys to community and crisis centres throughout the Tweed.
The Doggy Fun Day will be happening at the Murwillumbah Showground on Sunday 16 Augus,t from 10am to 1pm. King Street Veterinary Hospital, who kindly host the event, will be doing free dental checks.
Organisers promise a fun-filled day out for dogs and their people, which will help local families keep the pets they love, through times of hardship.
One of last years participants said, ‘Fabulous catch-up with other dogs and people. It’s a wonderful initiative and a great cause.’
What’s happening
Fun activities include an agility course, numerous novelty dog competitions, including Best Dressed Pet, with dog sports and an obedience demonstration by dog training experts, Man’s Best Friend.
There will be a special section for senior dogs with senior cognitive therapy and a rest lounge area provided by Doggy Snooze Center, who have also donated a $300 bed as first prize in the raffle.
There will be a cake stall, other doggy-related stalls and lots of prizes to be won.
Learn more and register at www.headoverhooves.org. You can even register for a virtual event if you can’t attend on the day.
Cost is $5, with gold coin donations to enter the competitions.
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