Disney, a young dog found starving and abandoned in the northern suburbs four weeks ago, may be among the crowd lining up for RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk in Adelaide next month – and he now has his own fundraising page for anyone who wants to sponsor him.
He has more than doubled his weight and is well on the road to full physical recovery, thanks to the loving care of RSPCA South Australia staff, volunteers and his foster carer – care that is all funded by donations.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the charity’s main fundraising event last year. It returns on Sunday May 16 to Victoria Park in the city’s East Parklands as well as two regional locations, Wallaroo and Port Pirie – and the participation of rescued dogs like Disney drives home what the event is about.
Funds raised from event ticket purchases and donations will help RSPCA South Australia rescue and rehabilitate more abandoned dogs like Disney.
Named Disney by RSPCA South Australia staff because of the Mickey-Mouse embossed collar he was wearing when found, the nine-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross is lucky to be alive after being left tethered in the rain beside a park in Munno Para. An early morning walker found him and – alarmed by the animal’s emaciated state – immediately contacted RSPCA.
Following a public plea for help in locating the person responsible for abandoning the dog, several people came forward with information and investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Disney is continuing to recover in the home of his foster carer, Ben. Having come into RSPCA South Australia’s care weighing just 9.1kg, he now weighs 18.5kg.
According to diehard dog-lover Ben, Disney was very hesitant when he first brought the dog home, but his other dog Billie (a female Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross) has helped him to settle in.
“He was very friendly with people but not so sure of other dogs, so we’re taking it very slowly with him as he regains confidence,” Ben said.
“He and Billie are good friends now and love to play together and sleep together – hopefully, if Disney continues to feel better and calmer, they’ll also be able to attend the Million Paws Walk together.”
Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser but unable to attend one of the three physical walks can instead participate in Walk This May, the virtual challenge component of Million Paws Walk. Dog lovers from all over Australia will unite to raise funds to fight animal cruelty by walking a minimum of 30 minutes a day with their four-legged friends.
Full-price adult tickets for the Adelaide walk are $25 each, and $15 each for the regional walks. Pensioners and students (with a valid student ID card) are eligible for concession tickets.
Tickets for the Adelaide event must be purchased online in advance.
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