ANIMAL RESCUE
Ashley Lechman|Published
The city of Pretoria was painted gold last weekend after 184 golden retrievers gathered at the second Gauteng Golden Retrievers (GGR) meet up to celebrate the loving breed and raise funds for non-profit company, Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa (GR Rescue).
The event was held at the Pet and House Sitter (PAHS) private dog park located at Moreleta Kerk, which drew just over 450 animal lovers to witness the halo of golden retrievers.
187 dogs in total attended the event.
The fundraiser organised by GGR, made up by a group of passionate golden retriever owners.
This year the GGR team, along with all the retriever owners who attended the event raised over R45 000 to donate to GR Rescue.
Liezel Mortimer, head of GR Rescue, said it was an amazing second gathering of Golden Retrievers to support GR Rescue.
“We are incredibly grateful to the team of GGR for all the hard work they did to make the day so successful and fun. Not only did the dogs have the best day but their owners too. It has been a very difficult year to find continued funding for our rescue and this event helps us to keep going. We would also like to thank the sponsors and everyone who joined in on the day to help our rescues. We hope to see even more Golden Retrievers join next year,” Mortimer said.
Sandra Pavic, one of the organisers from GGR said that the event would not have been possible without generous sponsors made up of big corporate companies in the pet industry as well as small businesses.
Pavic said that funds were raised primarily through ticket sales, as well as purchases of ‘pawty packs’ that dog owners were able to purchase for their dogs.
Major pet brands stepped on board to make sure the event could go ahead once again, with the Shoprite Group’s Petshop Science, through the company’s corporate social investment (CSI) programme, We Act For Change, sponsored toys to be added to the pawty bags and sent through a videographer to capture all the wagging tails on the day.
Trevor Paxton, General Manager for Petshop Science, said, “Play, stimulation and comfort are important to a dog’s wellbeing. We were pleased to support Golden Retriever Day by donating toys for these much-loved animals and to contribute in a small way to a great cause that does so much to support their care."
Pavic said the bond between her and her own golden retriever, Shiina, was one of the reasons that spurred her on to hold the meet up.
“I love how goldies smile all the time and you can, in a way, see how they feel, but will do anything to make your day better and love you unconditionally,” Pavic said.
“The thought of a goldie being on their own not having a forever home and a loving family who can provide them with all the care and love they need and deserve, brings me great sadness which is why I wanted to hold a fundraiser for GR Rescue. They make sure the dogs in their care gets the medication that is needed, surgery and day to day care,” Pavic added.
Pavic said that the gathering was a chance for Golden retriever lovers to celebrate the breed for a noble cause.
"The day allowed for attendees to shop around the market stalls, participate in the many games for awesome prizes and an opportunity for owners to capture the day forever with a pop up photography studio by Moonrise Creative Studio. We even had a special guest bagpipe performance to celebrate the breeds Scottish heritage," Pavic said.
A raffle was also held on the day and the giveaway included a three-night stay at a luxury pet-friendly accommodation at Salt Rock Sands in Ballito, hampers from Royal Canin, pet insurance company, OnePlan, pet wellness company, Vets2Pets, Montego and Simoné's Fudge.
It also included items sponsored from small pet businesses Swag to the Wag, Hunter & Co, Snuffle Sniffle, Bitches get stitches, treats from a pet bakery, The Dog Duchess as well as treats from Doggylish, a voucher from Jack Vannick Art and a bespoke hand-made water bowl designed and created by The Pottery Pit.
The bags were filled with sponsored items from Poopé, Pannatural Pets, Royal Canin, Montego, Canine Craze, Doggylish, Sniffle Snuffle, Simoné's Fudge, Badoodoo, the Dog Duchess and discount vouchers from the Pottery Pit, Jack Vannick, Hunter and Co, Vets2Pets and Salt Rock Sands.
The day was a sight to behold with the wagging tails and golden smiles, raising much needed funds for GR rescue.
Pavic said that Golden Retriever lovers and owners should keep an eye on their Instagram page @Gauteng.GoldenRetrievers to see what the team has planned next.
PRETORIA NEWS
Sandra Pavic with her dog, Shiina.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
A Gauteng gathering of 184 golden retrievers and more than 450 people raised more than R45 000 for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.