Dogs' day out raises $1,600

Exuberant dogs and their owners enjoyed an excellent day at Riverside Park last Saturday for the 17th annual ‘Dogs are Fun’ event.

The event, run by Taupo District Council in conjunction with Taupo Canine Obedience Club, raised over $1600 for Guide Dog Services, which is part of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

Attendees were entertained by impressive displays from the Taupo Canine Obedience Club, a walk through town to collect donations and a range of games and competitions to suit most dogs and their owners.

Council’s Senior Compliance Officer Cherry Hewitt says the event was a great social day out and was complemented by fantastic weather.

“Donations and assistance from many businesses and organisations make this day possible,” says Ms Hewitt. “The funds raised will be gratefully received, I’m sure.”

The cost of breeding, raising and training a puppy to become a guide dog is over $22,500 – an expense which relies largely on public donations.

Photos from the event are on display at the Taupo Library for a week and will then be in the foyer of Taupo District Council’s Lake Terrace office.