Humans and four-legged friends are invited to strut their stuff at the eighth annual Paws on the Promenade – a dog walk fundraiser by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter, Khayelitsha, in partnership with Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition.
The dog walk will take place on Sunday 12 April at 09:00. Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, the five-kilometre route will extend to the Sea Point swimming pool and back. Shorter turnaround points for old, tired and injured pets (or humans) will also be available.
“Our 2025 Paws on the Promenade was a great success with an attendance of 295 dogs. On a budget of just R8 500, we raised R37 500. We hope to raise even more funds with this year’s event. This, however, all depends on how many wonderful dogs and humans join us for the walk,” says Marcelle du Plessis, spokesperson and event organiser.
Urgent funding needed
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter is an NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha serving an average of 22 000 animals per year through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, continuous sterilisations, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and homeless pet shelter. They also set a priority on community empowerment and education to ensure people become responsible pet owners in the future.
“Sadly, we recently received the news that our main funder will not be renewing any grants in South Africa next year. This means a loss of R250 000 per month. We need to find replacement funding and encourage everyone to join Paws on the Promenade to help with this,” says Du Plessis.
Costumes and creativity
Expect to see dogs of all shapes and sizes. “People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes,” says Du Plessis. There will be dalmatians in tutus, dachshunds in hot dog outfits and pomeranians with bow ties.
All pet owners are encouraged to dress up in a dog outfit or to wear something orange, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic brand colour.
“For the past seven years Vondi’s has partnered with Mdzananda in making this event possible. It is one of our highlights of the year,” says Cindy Jacobson, manager of Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition.
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“The route is one of the most scenic routes in Cape Town, making it a wonderful walk for dogs and owners alike. We support Mdzananda because of their excellent professionalism and the impact they make in the Khayelitsha community, educating pet owners and treating sick pets that would otherwise have little to no help.”
Tickets and activities
Everyone is invited — humans without four-legged friends are welcome too.
Tickets cost R50 per person, R50 per dog and R25 for children under 12. These are available from Quicket or on the day from 08:30.
Raffle prizes, product sales, delicious coffee, food and crafts will entertain you on the day. The first 100 dogs to arrive will also receive a free goodie bag.
A small number of homeless dogs will be available to “rent” for a walk on the day.
Contact marcelle@mdzananda.co.za to book a dog.
For more information visit www.mdzananda.co.za.
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