André Botha and Storm Veronie with their beloved pugs, Georgie and Peanut .
GET ready for a cuteness overload as hundreds of pugs are set to descend on the Durban beachfront for the annual Durban Pug Walk.
The ‘paw-fect’ event, said organiser, Storm Veronie, is aimed at creating awareness on, and raising funds for Pug Rescue South Africa.
The organisation, founded by Cheryl and Malcolm Gaw, strives to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abandoned, neglected and surrendered pugs.
“As volunteers we try and organise as many fundraisers in Durban as possible so that we continue to rescue and rehome these loveable dogs,” said the Durban North resident.
As this year marks the third annual Durban Pug Walk, organisers have decided to celebrate the milestone with a theme.
“The theme is ‘pug life’, which is a play on the popular phrase, ‘thug life’, and so the public is urged to have fun and dress their pugs accordingly,” added Veronie.
The ‘paw-fect’ event, said volunteers, André Botha and Storm Veronie, is aimed at creating awareness on, and raising funds for Pug Rescue South Africa.
The animal activist and her partner, André Botha, are also two of dozens of volunteers who foster, conduct home checks and rescue the tiny creatures from dire circumstances.
“The first walk started out really small, but over the years it has gotten exponentially bigger. Last year was our biggest ever. I have never seen so many pugs all in one place,” said Botha.
Participation costs R10 per pug and R20 per person. The public is also welcome to donate food on the day. The walk is set to take place on 26 June from 8am to 11am along the Durban Promenade, starting at Wahooz.
“Pugs are not the most athletic dogs, so the day is actually more about socialising for both the pugs and the public. The idea is to highlight the organisation as well as the pug breed. They are amazing pets and love attention,” said Veronie.
