North Gong Hotel has hosted Pound Paws providing pet owners with a perfect day out with their pooches and a chance to spread awareness of adoption over shopping for a pet.
Pet market stalls, a puppy ball pit and live entertainment brought the pet owning community together.
First time attendee veterinarian Liz Chmurycz said she enjoyed the day.
“It’s been a really beautiful event, awesome people and the dogs are so well behaved,” Ms Chmurycz said.
“I’m very honoured to be involved.”
The day included a strip of pet rescue stalls that focused on raising awareness about pet rescue.
“I’m not here to promote my private business, I’m here to promote animal welfare,” Ms Chmurycz said.
“It’s about allowing lost souls, to find a loving home.”
Founder of Country Rescue Companions, Julie-ann Ehrlich travelled from Helensburgh for the event.
“It’s always a wonderful day when we come down here,” Ms Ehrlich said.
Despite the positive atmosphere, Ms Ehrlich said the stalls had struggled to raise money.
“Unfortunately, nobody’s spending any money,” Ms Ehrlich said.
“We’ve raised $5 and had one enquiry about pet adoption.
“It’s like people are out with their dogs but left their wallets at home.”
She said pet rescue was a serious issue that requires the community support.
In 2023 approximately 210,000 dogs were taken into care across NSW.
Ms Chmurycz said people blame cost for wanting to give up their pets.
“On a professional basis we are getting a lot more enquiries with people unable to keep their pets because the cost of it all,” Ms Chmurycz said.
Ms Ehrlich experienced similar issues as she was being called nearly everyday about unwanted pets needing new homes.
“Since Covid people got their animals, now they can’t afford them,” she said
“It’s a real shame, people consider them disposable.”
Whilst stalls struggled in receiving donations, it was still an important day to educate the community on animals who just need a loving home.
Pound Paws is a registered charity group.
They have been holding dog day events for the last seven years in hopes it will spread more awareness about animal welfare.
If you are in need of a furry companion, check out there page and consider adopting instead of shopping: https://search.poundpaws.com.au/search
