Almost 2000 dog lovers signed up for final lap of Adelaide Botanic Garden this Sunday
A very special dog is gearing up for the most meaningful walk of her life. As an official RSPCA SA "furbassador", Border Collie Molly will lead the first group of walkers at RSPCA SA's final Million Paws Walk through Adelaide Botanic Garden this Sunday.
RSPCA South Australia inspectors seized Molly from a Lewiston property in October 2023, together with 86 other dogs and puppies. She had spent most of her life being used for commercial breeding within a facility operated by a convicted puppy farmer.
An examination by the veterinary team at RSPCA's O'Halloran Hill Animal Care Centre soon revealed the then fouryear-old dog was pregnant, and a couple of weeks after she arrived, she gave birth to four puppies.
Once weaned, the puppies soon found homes, but Molly struggled to adapt to life in a home as someone's pet.
RSPCA SA's dog behaviour team worked with her to help manage her stress-induced behaviour and in January 2024, she found her forever home and new family with one of her foster carers, Stacey.
"Molly's transformation shows exactly why we fundraise at events like Million Paws Walk," RSPCA SA CEO Marcus Gehrig said.
"We would love to see an even bigger turnout than last year, when around 2500 people and their pooches joined us in the Garden.
"Being the final event this year, we're really hoping that our community rallies to the cause for animals in need, with the bonus of enjoying a fantastic day out with other animal lovers amidst the Garden's glorious autumn colours."
This will be the fourth year that RSPCA SA has partnered with the Adelaide Botanic Garden authority to hold its Million Paws Walk inside the Garden, which is usually a no-go zone for dogs. For Adelaide Botanic Garden Director Michael Harvey, there are mixed feelings of pride and sadness to be hosting the final walk. "We have thoroughly enjoyed providing a stunning backdrop for this event over the years, and seeing countless paws come through the gate," Michael said.
"It has been a pleasure supporting RSPCA South Australia with their commitment to animal welfare."
Shifts in the national fundraising landscape and rising cost of living pressures are behind the charity's decision to close the chapter on Australia's most iconic fundraiser for the thousands of animals in its care. While RSPCA SA will channel future community efforts into new, more sustainable events, this Sunday will be the final opportunity for people to walk their dogs along the Garden's leafy paths together.
"We're caring for around 900 animals at present, and we cannot do the rescues, veterinary care and general care of animals without donations," Marcus said.
"I encourage dog owners to go online and register now to be part of this historic final lap for RSPCA's much loved Million Paws Walk."
Walkers will set off in staggered waves, with the first group heading off at 9am and the final group at 11:30am.
They will start and finish at the Million Paws Walk Village in Botanic Park, opposite the Garden, and can choose to walk either a 2.0 km or 3.2 km route.
Beverages and a variety of food offerings will be available and there will also be stalls selling items for dogs like beds, leads, harnesses and food bowls. In the Village arena, RSPCA SA's dog training team will showcase the results of effective, force-free training methods and provide tips on managing dog behaviour.
