Bengaluru : More than 60 enthusiastic pets and their owners participated in the Pet-A-Thon held today at Pet Steppin, Rustam Bagh, Old Airport Road. An initiative by the Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC), the event is aimed at creating awareness and generate funds for animal welfare. The Pet-A-Thon is also the key curtain raiser to the upcoming Bengaluru Midnight Marathon scheduled to happen on 20th of December at KTPO Whitefield, Bangalore. The theme for this year’s marathon is “Run on Swachh Bengaluru” and the Pet-a-thon captures the caring spirit of Bengaluru towards its four-legged friends. The funds generated through the Pet-a-thon were donated to “Precious Paws,” an organization involved in animal welfare activities. Mr. Ashley Westwood, the Coach of the Bangalore Football team, was the chief guest on the occasion.
The furry friends had a fun day under the sun and ran for their rights with great excitement. The event took place at Pet Steppin a relaxing getaway for pets amidst lush greenery and open spaces set in the heart of the city behind Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road. Pet owners were ecstatic to give their pets a day-out and an opportunity to mingle and socialize with the other animals in and around town. There was dogs of all shapes and sizes and different breeds including Pugs, Irish Setter, Labrador, Golden Retrievers, Boxer, Shihtzu, and our very own Indian doggies.
The venue was filled with the barks and noises of the dogs befriending each other. The event started with the launch of the Precious Paws 2015 Calendar launch by the chief guest Ashley Westwood followed by a walk of Man’s Best Friend with their owners to create awareness for their homeless friends. There was also auctions held to raise funds for Precious Paws by Art by Aarohi. There was also a adoption drive for rescued pups set up by Precious Paws Foundation. There were Calendars, bumper stickers and lot more on sale for raising funds which also included a bake sale, 50% of whose proceeds were going toward the charity.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amarnath Kamath, Ex-President of RBITC said, “This event is not just about the fun. We do this to bring together like- minded animal lovers so that connections are built. It is through these connections and awareness of such N.G.O that the community start responding and helping. Strength is always found in numbers and events like the Pet-A-Thon aims at increasing those connections.”
Sachin, one of the participant shared “I am really happy to get my Dog Don here, to participate in this pet-a-thon. This was the Best Sunday morning ever for my dog and me, thanks to the organisers for this opportunity. I strongly support the cause of this event.”
Hema, Co-ordinator of Pet-a-thon, RBITC shared “I am glad to see so many people participating and supporting the cause. I would like to request everyone to participate in the major event SBI Bengaluru Midnight Marathon to support the causes of this event.”
This is the 8th year that SBI Bengaluru Midnight Marathon is conducted here as the main fund raiser event for RBITC’s social service projects relating to environment, health, community and vocational services. RBITC will use the net proceeds for projects in the sectors of health, education and for addressing various other social issues.