Pooches go pink for Hot Pink breast cancer walk

Jill Forlong and Helen Alice from the Hot Pink Walk. Photo / John Borren

Boston the labradoodle is proud to wear pink.

He's a hot pink fan from way back and has attended the Hot Pink Walk dressed to the nines in his fido fashion for the last two years.

This will be the hound's third Hot Pink Walk. And this time he might win a prize for looking so hot and pink.

The 2018 Hot Pink Walk will include a Pooch in Pink Parade complete with doggie catwalk, and the best dressed canine will win a $150 prize pack from Tauranga Vets. They are encouraging walkers to bring along their hot pink pooches.

The Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga (BCSST) team noticed an increase in canines on the walk last year so they've made it part of the event.

"Lots of dogs walk wearing their outfits or bandannas and we thought it would be nice to have some fun with it," says Boston's mum Helen Alice, who is also the BCSST manager.

Pet owners can bring their friendly dogs on a lead, and they must be comfortable in crowds, Helen says.

"The outfits need to be comfortable for the dogs, too," Helen says.

The annual walk to support women and men with breast cancer has been going for decades.

"People embrace this walk as so many people have lost someone to breast cancer so they walk to celebrate life and recovery and to remember the people they have lost. That is the most powerful thing about the walk ... everyone has a story."

The fundraising walk has first held with 40 women at Memorial Park. Last year's event raised $18,000, their best year yet.

The walk starts at Masonic Park on The Strand with entertainment and a Zumba warm-up. There is a minute's silence to remember those who have died and to release doves.

The crowd will make their way along Devonport Rd, Elizabeth St, Brown St, Willow St back to Masonic Park — about 3km.

There will be "hot spots" along the way — Greek Dancing Group Tauranga, Tauranga Samba, the Dancing Divas from Katikati, singing groups and more.

"It's always a good turnout. It's a great way to celebrate in the city especially with that's going on in the city. It's exciting, and a great way to have some fun."

Register online www.breastcancerbop.org.nz/page/hot-pink-walk/ or at Z Stations and House of Travel shops.