Any dog-loving Sydneysiders who are in the mood for a getaway this weekend should head south for the North Gong Dog Day on Saturday, September 14.
Now in its third year, Wollongong’s annual doggopalooza has grown from a humble adoption drive into a playground of tail-wagging activities. There’s a puppy ball pit, dog yoga, best dressed and best trick competitions, and even a range of dog-friendly beverages including “puppicinnos” and pet-safe beer, so you can crack a cold one with your four-legged friend.
The centrepiece of this year’s Dog Day, hosted by the North Gong Hotel, will be the second annual Sausage Dog Ninja Warrior Course; a thrilling gauntlet of obstacles designed for daredevil dachshunds. Every fearless contender will be treated to mini-hotdogs, but there can only be one champion, who will be crowned the Sausage Dog Ninja Warrior Weiner.
Delightful as all this canine capering will no doubt be, there’s a serious side to this fun-filled day. Co-hosts Pound Paws, a charity promoting the adoption of rescued and homeless dogs, will be showcasing a whole host of adorable pooches looking for their fur-ever home. There will also be a variety of other rescue groups in attendance, including RSPCA NSW, Homeward Bound Hounds, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, Best Friends Forever Rescue Illawarra, Dingo Den, Pug Patrol Rescue and the Animal Trust Society.
Entry is free and so is parking, although limited. The day’s events are proudly in support of Illawarra canine rescue organisations and charities.