Every dog has its day, and for a few hours, many of the four-legged community here in Nassau were in doggy heaven. Almost 100 canines and their companions came to Goodman’s Bay for the start of the Baark! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) “Strut Your Mutt” event, now in its third year. The two mile scenic walk took place along the Cable Beach road and a ‘tail wagging’ good time was had by all.
After the walk every participant received a prize – Ben & Jerry’s ice-creams were handed out to the companions and Purina treats were enjoyed by the dogs. Special awards were presented including Prettiest Potcake, Dog-Owner Look-alike and The Golden Biscuit Award. Prospective pet owners could also meet rescued dogs looking for homes as they were walked by volunteers from the Bahamas Humane Society. Viviane Proffitt was the first walker across the finish line with her rescue dog Pepper. “We were so pleased with our prize,” she said. “What a fabulous event, a great afternoon out, extremely generous participant goodies and prizes courtesy of Purina. Baark! is such a great cause to support and we’d definitely recommend it to everyone for next year.” Laura Kimble, Baark! president, said they were thrilled with the turnout which has been growing every year. “We really enjoy organising events like this and meeting with fellow animal lovers. It’s a great opportunity for us to be involved in the community and show a fun side to the work we do which has an underlying serious issue.”
All the money raised from the event will go towards Baark!’s spay and neuter initiative to reduce animal overpopulation and prevent the over-abundance of puppies and kittens born every year. The event was presented by Odyssey Aviation Bahamas and sponsored by Purina, Graham Real Estate, Think Simple, Butterfield Bank and Cole Insurance.
Steven Kelly, Odyssey Aviation Bahamas president, said: “We were delighted to sponsor and be a part of such a fun family event. We applaud the important work Baark! is doing to improve animal welfare in our community and its wonderful they raised so much money”. It was a tiring day for some volunteers who had just returned from a three day spay and neuter clinic in Central Andros, where 50 animals were sterilised. It was Baark’s second visit there this year. Shelley Hardman, Baark’s spay/neuter co-ordinator, who attended the clinic, said: “This is a great example of the work we do and how money from events like ‘Strut Your Mutt’ is used to help small communities combat their animal overpopulation problem.
We are extremely lucky to work in alliance with Nassau based vets Dr Dorsett and Dr Smith who volunteered their time and services to join us.” Rick Goodlander, an Andros resident who was instrumental in organising both clinics expressed his gratitude: “I, as well as the caring community here, truly appreciate what Baark! and their hard working volunteers have done. The overall impact the clinic will have will be hugely significant for us”. He added: “We would particularly like to thank Juliet Newbold with Andros Island Bonefish Club and Mr Nelson Leadon for their generous donations towards the clinic; we wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.” Baark! encourages all pet owners to spay/neuter both their dogs and cats, and can help with financing or transportation for low-income families.
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