Run, small dog, run

Small dogs run fast.

It’s a fact.

I guess, the god of dogs did it to compensate for their size. In my experience as a human to my doggies – it is Gorby, my Toy Poodle, who runs the fastest. Gorby is also the quickest to spot a cat hidden among the trees and bushes. This does not mean that Gorby gets to the cat faster than Greta and Boris, the Mini Schnauzers – they got longer legs – but I can’t knock Gorby for trying.

Gorby loves to chase anything I throw his way – whether it be a toy or a shuttle cock at the badminton court. I believe he does this because he loves the feel of the wind pushing his ears back. Of course, once he gets what I throw, he keeps it and brings it to his little space for prized collections. Smart guy.

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"Kathy, there is one more major event for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) this year. It’s the ‘Great Dog Dash’. It’s a race much like a formula car race where only small dogs will compete," said Anna Cabrera of PAWS to me.

"Great," is my reply. "Gorby will love it."

Anna added that they got the idea from a similar kind of race that was held in Florida, USA. The proceeds from the small doggie fun run went to helping out an animal shelter. It’s the same with this race – PAWS hopes to raise funds for the animal shelter in Quezon City. And, at the same time, get the owners of small dogs out and have fun with their canine cuties.

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Here are the mechanics for the race.

Small dogs – those with a height of not more than 15 inches from foot to top of head – will be allowed to join. The dog can be of any length. (Chihuahuas, small Terriers, Toy dogs, Pugs, mixed-breed dogs and all other dogs that meet the height requirement can join).

The doggie runners will be grouped in three categories  depending on size or general characteristics. All participating canines must be at least one-year-old. Only female dogs who are not on heat will be allowed to join the race. Humans must make sure that their doggies are socialized – this means that they can get along with other dogs and humans, too.

A 10-meter "race" track ala Formula One will be set up for the event. The contestants will be given bandanas with numbers on them. The humans will be positioned at the end of the track, coaxing their little doggies to run like there was no tomorrow and make it to the end of the track. The little doggies can be coaxed by using toys or treats – anything to get the doggie to run to the end of the race track. The dog with the best time per category wins a medal and some treats from the sponsors.

The event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 4 p.m, Eastwood Central Plaza.There is a P100 registration fee for every dog that joins. Registration starts at 3 p.m. The first 50 registrants will get goody bags from Pedigree & Cesar. The event is sponsored by STAR Pet Life, Globe 1, Pedigree, Cesar, Innove Communication, Heartgard and Eastwood City.

For inquiries, call PARC at 475-1688.

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Gorby is counting the days to race day. We are training hard. After all, he is the fastest dog runner in our home.