OctoberFETCH, A Carnival For Canines - September 2010

On the 200 year anniversary of Munich’s historic Oktoberfest, Guide Dogs Queensland offers its own festive gathering of party ‘animals’, OctoberFETCH: A Carnival for Canines.

The FREE family day out for people and their dogs will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 9am – 1pm in Pine Rivers Park, Gympie Road, Strathpine and will feature a host of entertainment, competitions, kids’ activities and displays.

A highlight of the day will be the 4km ‘dog-a-thon’ fundraiser around Pine Rivers Park. Registration is free online or $10 on the day. Early registration for the walk could win entrants a free ‘OctoberFETCH’ Frisbee to enjoy with their favourite four-legged friend.

In line with Bavarian tradition, ‘OctoberFETCH’ will feature a range of German delicacies including pretzels, sausages, sweets and more. Visitors can enjoy a Bratwurst while walking their dog or stroll around the many stalls and displays with a pretzel and coffee.

Also in keeping with the German festival, ‘OctoberFETCH’ will showcase a variety of music including a demonstration of German folk dancing and a toe-tapping set by the Aspley High School Stage Band. Visitors can “schunkeln” (sway) along to the tunes.

In addition to the fine fare and music, visitors are encouraged to enter their animals in the dog competitions through registration in the 4km ‘dog-a-thon’ walk. Prizes will be awarded for the ‘Waggiest Tail’; the ‘Best Dressed’; the ‘Most Obedient’; and the dog with the ‘Best Trick’. And in a nod to the famed Bavarian Strongman Competitions of the European festival, ‘OctoberFETCH’ will feature an award for the ‘Bavarian Strong Dog’.

Acting as impartial judge on the day will be Dr Lisa Chimes, co-host of Channel Ten’s hugely popular animal show, ‘Bondi Vet’. One of TV’s brightest new stars, Dr Chimes recently leant her support to ‘Noah’s Ark’ Pet Insurance. A key factor in her decision to endorse the product was the tremendous benefit it will bring to Guide Dogs Queensland.

Between five per cent and 20 per cent of commissions from every policy sold will be channelled back into the State-based charity to help pay the $30,000 needed to breed and train every Guide Dog. There are presently some 90 Guide Dogs in or about to commence training in Queensland, and GDQ is hopeful of lifting the tally to 120 puppies by year’s end.

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Chris Lane is encouraging dog owners from across the city to grab a picnic blanket and their animals and head to Strathpine for the FREE event.

“OctoberFETCH is sure to be a wonderful day for dog lovers, and for families looking to end the school holidays on a high,” she said.

“We urge people to come along and enjoy the many entertaining dog shows and displays, and help us raise much-needed funds for the breeding and training of Guide Dog puppies”.