By Dongyun Kwon
A fun event for dog lovers is returning to Yarra Valley to challenge dogs through obstacle courses.
Animal Aid will host Adventure Dog 2024 at Wandin Park Estate in Gruyere from 9.30am to 4pm on Sunday 7 April.
Animal Aid digital media coordinator Jessica Walley said the event first started in 2018 aiming at a stronger connection between humans and dogs.
“Animal Aid wanted to make a fun event that helps create the bond between humans and dogs stronger,” she said.
“Since it’s grown over the years, it’s now our biggest fundraiser.”
Adventure Dog 2024 is aiming to raise a $100,000 fund to support Animal Aid’s welfare mission for about 6000 homeless animals it has in its shelter with providing them with desexing, re-homing and vet checks.
Animal Aid CEO Mark Menze said every registration, every cheer and every dollar raised will bring them closer to their $100,000 goal.
“This is more than a target. It’s a lifeline for countless animals in need of care and a forever home,” he said.
Participants and their four-legged friends will run through the diverse obstacle courses with jelly, mud, coloured chalk, balls and foam pits.
Renee Smart participated in last year’s Adventure Dog with her 2-year-old Border Collie Allie.
She said she had a lot of fun last year and is looking forward to this year’s Adventure Dog.
“Last year, I found it on Facebook and thought it would be really fun to get wet and muddy with my dog,” she said.
“We had so much fun last year and I’m still in touch with some participants I met during the event. It was a good bonding experience between me and my dog Allie, and also other people.”
“I already signed up [for Adventure Dog 2024] within 24 hours after it came online.”
For more information, registration or to sponsor a participant, please visit adventure-dog-2024.raisely.com
