The SPCA knows it's not true that every dog has its day, but does its best to improve the odds for those that fall on hard times.
A big part of that is funded by the annual walk/run around the 4.2km Lake Ngatu track for dogs and owners.
"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year — at least I hope it will be," Vanessa Sucich-Coupland said, "and we're hoping for a really big turnout.
"This being Kaitaia we still don't really know if people are coming or not, but it'll be happening unless the weather is so bad it's life-threatening."
The walk-run will start at the northern end of the lake at 10am on Saturday November 10, with registration from 9.30am. Well-behaved dogs on leashes and owners (leashes optional) will be very welcome.
"There is no charge for taking part," Vanessa added, "but we are hoping that people will fundraise themselves by asking friends, colleagues and whānau to sponsor them. This way a lot of people can be involved and contribute.
"If people don't want to ask others to help they can choose to make a donation themselves."
Participants register at www.spca.nz, phone Vanessa on (021) 446-456) or Trinda on (027) 671-6709, or just turn up at 9.30am. Fancy dress will be rewarded and there are spot prizes, coffee, snacks and raffles.
All proceeds go towards saving lives of animals in need at the SPCA's Kaitaia centre.