UPM's DOGATHON 2010: A Big Hit With Canines And Their Owners!

The ancient Egyptian scroll is unveiled, declaring Dogathon 2010 open

MY chums and I had a terrific time last Sunday.

We were at the grounds of University Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang, Selangor.

We were there to witness and take part in what was expected to become the largest gathering of canines in the country’s history.

Petpositive, among the VIPs

Called Dogathon 2010; the organisers of the annual event who were made up of the entire 250 students of UPM’s veterinary faculty together with support from their lecturers, were hoping to draw in as many as 800 dogs this year and outdo their last score of 600 canines in 2008.

That record managed to sail comfortably into the Malaysia Book Of Records.

ILTC President Francis Siva checks out his new pals

Last Sunday’s total was even more astounding. An incredible 1,100 canines with nearly five times that number of their doting and proud animal-loving owners accompanied their pets!    

Armed with only walking sticks, a white cane and half-a-dozen wheelchairs, we made ourselves through what was a virtual maze of friendly tail-wagging and furry participants and contestants.

Whilst only one or two tiny dogs jumped out of our way and into the arms of their human “mamas” and “papas”, most of the canines weren’t too bothered about our wheelchairs.

A Golden Retriever visitor to Petpositive's stall

Many of them, quite frankly, seemed more interested to sniff and check out the other pretty pooches that were there than us.

Those that walked directly to us were the ones of the larger breeds. Several golden retrievers (a breed reputed to be excellent assistance dogs for the disabled) literally pulled their owners towards our wheelchairs.

They were forced to strike up a conversation with us as a result. The more embarrassed ones rather sheepishly apologised for their dog’s behaviour before starting a conversation with us.

Animal-assisted therapy in action

One lady whose dog bumped into me confessed that she had never spoken to someone in a wheelchair before. She said she had many misconceptions about people in wheelchairs until after our chat – thanks to her dog!

My wheelchair, of course was a hot item for many of the dogs at UPM.

One of our furry volunteers at our stall

That’s because unknown to their owners, it carries the scent of four of my trusty four-footed companion darlings that were back in my home that morning finishing up their sleep.

A 45-year old first-time visitor who experiences a total freeze over his body several times a day because of Parkinson’s disease said he felt like jumping for joy at the event after seeing so many dogs in one place.

“The morning encounter helped me to put aside what I’ve struggled with my disease for over ten years and think positively about the future.” He said with a big smile.

Handsome fellas

Another young man in a wheelchair, S. Sekar, who became paralysed in a motorcycle accident five years ago made it a point to pet and play with as many canines as he could that morning.

“I managed to touch only 30 dogs,” he said rather disappointingly as he had expected to meet many more.

“Many pet-owners were surprised when I asked them if I could touch their pets but they were always obliging,” he said. “Some even carried them and placed them on my lap so that I could take a picture with my mobile phone,” he beamed.  

Petpositive's Animal-Assisted Therapy Booth

However, not everyone who came there were able to literally see everything that was taking place.

One blind gentleman had the opportunity to meet several furry visitors who came up to him when he was sitting in the animal-assisted therapy stall that was put up by Petpositive, a national society to encourage the disabled and elderly to have pets for positive living.        

Our youngest volunteer Adrian having a snack

He told us lovely inspiring stories of how his three canines helped him cope with his blindness since he suddenly lost his sight two years ago.

“In a world of complete darkness, it’s a great encouragement to have seeing-eye dogs by your side,” he explained to the human visitors who came to learn more about the world of the blind.

And they're off!

Special arrangements were made by UPM’s veterinary students for the disabled and the elderly to participate at their Dogathon.

This involved several planning meetings before the event. 

Early planning meetings with Petpositive

Car parks were reserved for the disabled and a portable disabled-friendly toilet was available at all times for the handicapped.

Members of the Girl Guides association and other volunteers from Petpositive and Yayasan Salam, and also Facebook came in specifically to help the disabled.  

Cleopatra arrives with her male slaves

This is the third time in a row that UPM has been actively involving the disabled community in their canine event.

For me it was marvellous to see the disabled visibly present at a major dog event especially when I personally have never witnessed any other canine occasion to date making an effort in such a big way as this.

She heads towards us to present us the special scroll

I’m sure that if all the 1,100 dogs were reading this now, they will surely give a big loud WOOF and plenty of tail wag in support for the way the UPM folks treated the disabled and the elderly that day.

2008's Dogathon. Service dog Soo (right) flags off the race

For more information on Petpositive, please visit: www.petpositive.blogspot.com or call 012 220 3146

NOTE: Pictures courtesy by UPM, Ir Sivaraman Kannan, Alison-Murugesu Ghani, S. Sekar, Yap Win Shaun and PET+BLOGSPOT.

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