SPCA fundraiser a barking success

Maddison Ollington, 15, (right) enjoys the VETPlus Dog's Day Out event yesterday with her dog Zeena and friend Regan Braithwaite (left). Photo / Stephen Parker

Even Scooby-Doo made an appearance at the Dog's Day Out event, raising thousands of dollars for the Rotorua SPCA.

The VETPlus Dog's Day Out event was held yesterday at the Scion research grounds raising money for the Rotorua SPCA.

Maddison Ollington, 15, was one of the dog lovers who attended, dressing up in a Scooby-Doo costume.

"Me and my mate Regan [Braithwaite] dressed up as dogs. I dressed up as Scooby-Doo and he dressed up as 101 Dalmatians."

Maddison said her dog Zeena, a husky, went as herself.

"There was a great turn out with all the dogs," she said. "There were competitions and raffles and all the donations went towards the SPCA."

Organiser Treena Braithwaite said almost 300 dogs and about 800 people attended the event. She said owners paid $5 entry per dog and donations were also made during the event.

"This is the 10th year we have run it," she said. "We usually raise between $3000 and $4000."

The day included a walk through the Redwoods, a parade for Rotorua SPCA animals up for adoption, an owner and dog look-a-like competition, which about 15 people and pets entered. "The man who won it had grey hair and a grey beard and brought this big scruffy grey dog," she said with a laugh.

The Rotorua SPCA said the money raised would go towards vet costs, food, de-sexing, de-fleaing, ambulance service, and power and running costs for the shelter.