A Million Thanks for A Million Paws! - Part II

May 19 2009

Continued from Part I

After the shock defeat of two of WA's leading athletes in the 'Celebrity Challenge', attention quickly turned to the pets.

The annual 'Best Pet' awards - which include categories such as 'best dressed pet' and 'most affectionate pet' - were attended by what can only be described as a plethora of unusual costumes, owners and of course, dogs.

For one journalist, whose first foray into the Walk can be seen here, the array of wonderful breeds and costumes caused something of a geographical lapse. It was explained to Videojournalist Josh Wall of PerthNow that the dog he was interviewing was a "Newfoundland" to which he responded: "Where's that from?"

A map of Canada has been sent to Josh from all at the RSPCA!

Jessica Bratich - Perth's very own Karate champ - was joined by her Cricketing superhero partner Mitchell Johnson to judge the Best Pet awards with the overall prize going to a beautiful coffe-coloured labradoodle (Photos to follow). Her owner won a free photo-shoot with the RSPCA's official photographer Alex Cearns, worth $800.

"Everything moved so quickly and - on the whole - without any hitches" said Richard Barry, spokesperson for the RSPCA in WA. "Of course the Best Pet awards were hosted by our long-term ambassador Michael Schultze from Channel 10 who has such a wonderful way of keeping things moving smoothly even when the judges are faced with pets they're not entirely comfortable with".

Mr. Barry was referring to the two rats that were presented to Mitchell Johnson during the competition. "It really was a classic moment as Jessica stepped in to reassure Mitch that rats really are OK."

As the day flew by and the events wound down it became apparent that Million Paws Walk 2009 had become the biggest in Perth's 13 year history with the event. "Not only did we achieve the biggest Million Paws in WA but the biggest single event in Australia which is a magnificent effort," said Barry.

Thank you to everyone who helped us, to all the volunteers who gave up their time, to the vendors who put on such a wonderful day and of course to all the public whose participation and support every year never ceases to amaze us.

And if you'd like to see Josh Wall's hillarious video on the Walk at PerthNow.com, click here.