A dash of the champion

There was no way I was going to miss the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) “The Great Dog Dash: Year 3”  at the Eastwood Central Plaza last Sunday at 4 p.m.

Gorby, my Toy Poodle, was running in the race, and even if I had just gotten off a 20-hour flight (stopovers included) that arrived at 2:30 p.m., I had to make a dash for Eastwood.

I picked up Gorby, and off we went to Eastwood. He was yipping and yapping. Happy as he was to see me, I, too, was yipping and yapping, even happier to see my three canine companions Nik, the Mini Schnauzer, and Toy Poodles Tasha and Gorby. But the hugging session was short and sweet because Gorby and I had much to do.

Off I drove to Eastwood.

The venue was loaded with small doggies who were pumped up and ready to run the 10-meter dash. The race to the finish line was worth the P200 fee to join because all  proceeds go to the PAWS animal shelter.  

The event was hosted by DJ/commercial model Hilary Isaac and Philippine Idol finalist Drae Ybañez. It featured small dogs rushing to their guardians who coaxed their wards with treats and toys at the end of a miniature racetrack. The fastest dog to reach the finish line at the end of each round challenged the winner of the other batches until the grand champions emerged.

Aside from being friendly towards other dogs and humans, the only requirement for participants was that the dogs measure at most 15 inches from tip of paw to the top of the head. The dogs in the Tinkerbell Category were mostly Teacup Chihuahuas, Mini Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers, the smallest of the group. Short-legged dogs like Dachshunds, small Basset Hounds and Corgis were grouped together with small Pugs, Shih Tzus and small Poodles in the Elf Category, while the bigger dogs of the group (still under 15 inches) sprinted under the Hobbit Category.

And, just for this year, there was a celebrity heat, which added excitement to the event.  PAWS’ celebrity friends came to show that their dogs also had star quality  and were even greater sprinters.

Actress/singer Karylle came with her one-year-old Shih Tzu, Jack Sparrow. “We’ve been helping PAWS for the past three years through our participation in the “Furry Tales Pet Fashion Show.” Jack and I had fun this year because it’s our first time to join a dog race.  At the start, I think he was disoriented so I was really so proud of him when he finally crossed the finish line.”

A family of dog lovers, master rapper Francis M, wife Pia and their kid, Clara lent their full support and cheered for their Toy Poodle, Fifi, while R&B prince Jay-R joined and Bruce, his Chihuahua, had fun socializing with the other pet owners in between rounds. Actress Paula Peralejo brought along Toffi, a Shih Tzu.  “I’m a PAWS volunteer so whenever I can, I always support all our fundraising events because the proceeds go a long way towards helping our other programs.

 Major sponsor Alpo gave their all-out support to PAWS by providing the prizes as well as treats for the early registrants. PAWS is an NGO that works actively towards the prevention of cruelty to animals. It operates a shelter for dogs and cats rescued from cruelty and neglect, and re-homes them through an active pet adoption program run completely by volunteers.

“When organizing fundraisers, we make it a point that our fun events allow purebred dogs, mongrels and aspins (asong Pinoy, or native dogs) to bond with their guardians,“ said  PAWS director Rich Ilustre.

Other sponsors were McDonald’s, Frontline, Eastwood City and the STAR’s “Pet Life” section. 

I must humbly say it was a great day for the Morans as Gorby the braveheart ran away with the first-place trophy in the celebrity category.

A champion, indeed.

Doggy Winners

Tinkerbell Category

1st place - Cindy (Shihtzu) - Cecil Brady

2nd place- Taco (Chihuahua)- Matteth Reyes

3rd place- Merlin (Yorkshire Terrier) - Pernille Harboe

Elf Category

1st place - Whisky (Dachshund) - Laurence Manansala

2nd place- Kenshee (Australian Terrier) - James Banlawi

3rd place- Bibay (Mini-Pinscher) - Girlee Kelsey

Hobbit Category

1st place - Bacchus (Schnauzer) - Marla Nicandro

2nd place- Monster (Pug) - Rico Salvador

3rd place-Shadow (Toy Poodle)-Arden Magtoto

Celebrity Category

1st place - Gorby (Toy Poodle) - Kathy Moran of Philippine Star

2nd place- Toffi (Shihtzu) - Paula Peralejo of ABS-CBN

3rd place- Jack Sparrow (Shihtzu) - Karylle of GMA 7

 Other celebrities who participated:

Jay-R with Chihuahua “Bruce”

Francis and Pia Magalona with Toy Poodle “Fifi”