How do you make a Dogs Breakfast of something?
It looked like a Dogs’ Breakfast on Sunday at Lucas Reserve, with dogs and their owners enjoying the canine social event of the year.
After the dogs took their owners for the famous Dogs’ Breakfast walk along the esplanade, everyone enjoyed a delicious breakfast – sausages, bacon and eggs for the people, donated by the Caringbah Lions Clubs and special doggy breakfasts for the pups, donated by Dog Wash Café. Over 200 people registered this year which exceeded last years’ participation figure of 178 people.
“The Dogs’ Breakfast is always a fun social event for dogs and their owners. It’s great to see people supporting their local Charity and a great day was had by all,†chief organiser, Helen Rae from the Sutherland Shire Lionesses club said. “Assistance Dogs Australia has touched the hearts of many in the community but also across Australia. I was really happy to be involved.â€
Some participants took Harley Rides with the members of the Liverpool Harley Chapter while television and radio presenter, MC Glen Wheeler and the Woolooware High School Jazz Band entertained the crowd.
Pups and people were impressed by the obedience and fly ball displays and while the wind was blowing everyone away, they were further blown away by the Sutherland Dog Training Club’s dancing dogs – who performed amazing doggy dances to music!
But no-one could disagree that the real star of the show was Assistance Dog in training, Xander, who along with his trainer, Kate, did a demonstration showing just how much these dogs can do for their recipients.
Ten teams of three (two people and a dog) competed hard to win the poo patrol treasure hunt (searching for fake dog poos and picking them up with a pooper scooper). Everyone walked away with some fabulous prizes – a brand new pooper scooper and a gorgeous new dog collar for their best mates.
Some pampered pooches headed to the Dog Wash Café beauty parlour to get their hair done and while some pups rocked up in their birthday suits, others frocked up for the occasion vying for first place in the fancy dress competition. This year’s best dressed dog winners were a genie dog in first place, a fairy dog in second place and in third place, Molly the Carmen Miranda dog.
It was a day for every dog, from the friendly giants, a Saint Bernard and a Newfoundland to the smallest designer Chihuahua.
All money raised will help Assistance Dogs Australia in their mission; to raise Labradors and Golden Retrievers to give freedom and independence to people with physical disabilities. After two years of training our dogs undertake tasks that are difficult if not impossible for a person in a wheelchair to achieve – tasks such as opening and closing doors, answering the telephone, pressing the button at pedestrian crossings and retrieving all manner of objects such as keys and phones.
A big thank you goes to all those involved; The Sutherland Shire Lionesses, The Caringbah Lions Club, Engadine Lions Club, Poo Patrol, Liverpool Harley Owners Group, Woollooware High School Jazz Band, Fur Fitness, Glen Wheeler, Pureau - Nobles Water, Sutherland Shire Dog Training Club and all Assistance Dogs Australia volunteers and staff who helped on the day. A special shout out goes to the great volunteers Helen, Michelle and Lynelle who were instrumental in pulling the day together. Well done!
