GET ACTIVE with CAUSE Canine Capers!

What is it about animals? As bad news continues in our daily feeds, 'send me dogs and cats' has become a regular cry on social media, an easy-to-grasp shorthand for 'I feel terrible, cheer me up'.  The response is always the same: a torrent of pictures of animals doing daft things – but somehow it has a magical, calming effect.

Marion Janner, a mental health campaigner and all-round animal lover, says that dogs teach us a whole range of lessons. 'Dogs love us unconditionally. They’re the ultimate in equal opportunities – entirely indifferent to race, gender, star sign, CV, clothes size or ability to throw cool moves on the dance floor. The simplicity and depth of this love is a continuous joy, along with the health benefits of daily walks and the social delights of chats with other dog walkers.'

The therapeutic value of our relationship with our pets, particularly dogs, is increasingly recognised by researchers. Cats can be wonderful too – but dogs have been domesticated by humans for much longer, and, as even the most devoted cat lover will admit, dogs are far easier to train for companionship. And there are other reasons that pets and therapy animals are increasingly recognised as being good for our mental health. In addition to helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness, there are all the benefits that come from having to exercise a dog. Daily walks outdoors boost physical and emotional wellbeing. Chucking sticks, picking up balls – even scooping up the unmentionable – can provide an all-round workout.

With this in mind, do you fancy a challenge with a four legged twist that will help us raise much needed funds?

Well we have the ‘pawfect’ fundraising pooch ideas for you!

Have a walk-and-paw-a-thon, a dog jog or a mutt marathon

Get active – get the family and friends with your pooches outdoors and adhering to social distancing for a dog walkathon.   Choose a perfect place for your walk. Ensure dogs are on leads if required. You could provide water and snacks for humans and pups alike, 

especially if you host your dog walkathon on a really hot day!

Or if you and your dog is fit take on a Mutt Marathon and walk the same distance of a marathon (26.2miles) over the course of a few days or weeks – your marathon, your way.

Fundraising is encouraged and so needed by asking that you set up your own CAUSE fundraising pages!!

Have a Perfect Pooch Picture Competition 

For a Perfect Pooch Picture Competition  set up a Facebook Page and  invite pet owner friends and family to post their pets’ pictures taken! 

You can have many different categories:  Muddy Dog, Cutest canine, Funniest pooch, Most Fabulous Family Dog, Most Awesome Eyes,  Loveliest Lady, Gorgeous Golden Oldie (over 7 years),  Most Fabulous Fella,  Best Rescue Dog, Owner who looks like their dog, Best Paw Shaker, Judges Favourite

You can charge an entry fee to raise money, or ask your pals to set up their own CAUSE fundraising page and people can judge by donating to their favourites!

Hold a Virtual Pet Pawrty

A pet party with a difference – a great reason to get online virtually with family, friends and canines!

You can charge an admission fee to raise money, or ask your pals to donate to your CAUSE Fundraising Page.

Pet Toy Raffle

For this raffle, you can create the ultimate pet care package with toys, treats, a dog bed, and other items to raffle off.  Ask local pet businesses to support you in-kind by donating a prize and acknowledge them on your social media!

Let your friends and family know about the event and share it on social media to spread the word. Sell raffle tickets on your CAUSE fundraising page and announce the winner at a set time when everyone can be present online.

Create Pet or Animal Calendars

Start creating your calendar now in the middle of summer. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to advertise and sell them to friends and family before the New Year starts.

You can add images of your pooches and/or family and friends animals and add quotes, statistics, and other facts that educate supporters about CAUSE.

Sell the calendars in your family/friends community!

Host a 'Bark-Off' 

Host an online bake-off of cakes or buns decorated with a canine theme.  You can then host a doggy Cuppacake party online when your guests become the judges.  You can have a dog bake sale (or “barkery”) online. Find a dog treat recipe and make enough batches to sell online to your doggy friends!

Don’t forget to share your event on social media and to set up your CAUSE fundraising page!

Canine Quiz

Host a canine themed quiz online – this can be a stand alone event or as part of another doggy fundraising event. When you register we will provide you with our doggy quiz.

You can charge an admission fee to raise money, or ask your pals to donate to your CAUSE Fundraising Page.

If you would like anymore information or to register your doggy fundraiser please call Anne on 028 90 650 650 or email: [email protected]