Post Event Writeup for Dogathon 2009

865 dogs, pedigree and mongrel, small and large, in one place at one time? It might sound impossible but that was exactly the scene at Dogathon 2009!

For the uninitiated, Dogathon is an annual dog event organized by the veterinary students of Universiti Putra Malaysia, under the student societies Veternak and Zoologico Club. It was held this year on the morning of the 16th of August from as early as 6.30am to 1pm at Bukit Ekspo, UPM. At its thirteenth time, Dogathon 2009 was bigger and better, surpassing even the record set in 2008 in the Malaysia Book of Records for Dogathon 2008 being the largest gathering of dogs in Malaysia. All this despite various hiccups, including the most recent H1N1 scare.

This year’s Dogathon, themed Carnivale Canine- Tail’s up… It’s show time!- featured a variety of carnivale-styled games, including some of the popular classics such as the Carnivale Dog Race, a 3km run for both dog and owner around the grounds of Bukit Ekspo, spiced up this year with mystery gifts along the run. Master Hunt, a maze where the dog will be required to make its way to its owner through a maze was also one of the popular attractions of the day, with coupons being sold out early on in the day. Other fresh and new games included Fixing Mr. Clown and Doggie-go-round. Also to note this year was the impressive display of life-sized carnivale animal-themed decoration items put up at Bukit Ekspo, which managed to draw quite a number of photo-enthusiasts.

Carnival Dog Race

The VVIP of the day was Mr. Anthony Thanasayan, president of PetPositive, a group that advocates the use of animal-assisted therapy for the disabled. Many might also recognize him from his weekly column in the local newspaper, The Star. He graced the event along with Associate Professor Dr. Wahid, deputy dean of University Veterinary Hospital, Ms Christine Chin, president of SPCA Selangor and Ms Chris, representative from PAWS. Furthermore, a group of fellow wheelchair-bound members of PetPositive also conducted a sharing session at their booth discussing various issues related to animal-assisted therapy. Also making an appearance on the day was model Ms Amber Chia, a spokesperson for the pet food company, Artemis.

All visitors to Dogathon went home not only with good memories but also loads of free goodies from almost every known pet-product company in Malaysia. This is thanks to the many gold and co-sponsors who very generously contributed to a good cause through Dogathon. Of course, thanks also to all of you and your canine friends for supporting us. So, see you again next year at Dogathon 2010!

Fresh, Update Itinerary of Dogathon 2009!

6.30 am Registration
8.00 am Opening Ceremony by Mr. Anthony Thanasayan
8.30 am Carnival Dog Race
9.15 am Pet-N-You Demo
9.45 am Lucky Draw
10.00 am Main Stage Game 1: Fastest Eating Duo (FED)
10.40 am Main Stage Game 2: Doggy-Go-Round
11.10 am Pro-Kasih (Stray Animal Neutering Project)
11.15 am Session with Miss Joanne
11.30 am Prize Giving - FED, Doggy-Go-Round
11.50 pm Main Stage Game 3: Fixing Mr. Clown
12.30 pm Main Stage Game 4: Speed-o-eater
1.15 pm Closing Ceremony + Lucky Draw + Prize Giving

Dogathon held as usual

Hey all,

Some may be wondering if H1N1 Flu will give any effect on Dogathon. And here, we would like to clarify that,

Dogathon will be held as planned, on 16th August 2009, from 6.30am-2.00pm.

Although it is an open-air event which means less chance of transmission, we strongly encourage those who are not feeling well with flu symptoms to rest at home. You may also put on a mask.

One more week ahead, we are really excited of Dogathon now!

Hope to see you then!

Please email us at dogathon09@gmail.com shall there be any inquiries.

Dogathon is just around the corner!

Hi. DOGATHON is just around the corner! Are you excited?

Here we would like to remind you on the following:

1. Date : 16th August 2009 (Sunday)
2. Time : 6.30 am - 2.00pm
3. Venue : Bukit Ekspo, Universiti Putra Malaysia, SERDANG
4. Admission : FREE

What else?

1. Map or more information can be obtained from our website: www.vet.upm.edu.my/~dogathon
2. There is NO pre-event registration. Please come as early as at 6.30am to avoid long queue at the registration counter.
3. Upon registration, you will get a FREE goodie bag worth of RM100.00++!
4. If you are good at photography, you can't miss Clownie and Doggie competition. Just bring the best photo of you and your dog, circus-themed, for submission that day itself (Please refer to the attachment)
5. We are proud to announce that Ms Joanne and her dog Oscar will be stopping by at Dogathon in her World Woof Tour. (http://www.worldwooftour.com/)

For those who are new to Dogathon, here are the quick facts about it:

1. It is an annual dog event, charity based, held by veterinary students of Universiti Putra Malaysia to raise funds for Prokasih or Stray Animal Neutering Project.
2. Age: 13 years old. It started in year 1997.
3. There are many challenging games with attractive prizes await. My dog can't play? No worries, come and grab our free goodie bag upon registration, have an outing with your dog and kid, and explore the world of dog industry - dog companies, vet consultation, demo from Pet-N-You and MKA, horse riding, amusement park, Prokasih, SPCA and PAWS booths etc.

See you there!

Dogathon PREPARED for PWM 2009

Dogathon team is here PREPARED to start the marketing work at Pet World Malaysia 2009, happening in Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from 3 - 5th July!!!

Well, we hope we will get a good response from the public.

And, Dogathon 2009 will be graced by at least 700 dogs!

Dogathon Challenge in Facebook

Dear all,

Dogathon is approaching. Now, how much you know about Dogathon?

100% ....?
90% ...?

Please try this challenge at facebook to prove it!

http://apps.facebook.com/dogathon/?source=35&_fb_fromhash=53d3373f6e1960d27c23b11e5a513fe3&ref=nf

Have fun there!

Clownie and Doggie

UPM Dogathon 2008 Acknowledged in Malaysia Book of Records

The gathering of 611 dogs at UPM Expo Hill in Dogathon 2008 hosted by UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Club has succeeded in being acknowledged in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Biggest Dog Gathering in Malaysia” last August 10.

SERDANG, August 14 - The gathering of 611 dogs at UPM Expo Hill in Dogathon 2008 hosted by UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Club has succeeded in being acknowledged in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Biggest Dog Gathering in Malaysia” last August 10.

Themed “AEROSPACE – Astronaut, Asteroids, Astrodogs...Woof off!” the program gathered 1500 spectators from all walks of life.

Dogathon 2008 Program Director, Yew Ee Ling said the program also received participation from Petpositive Society, an NGO with members of the handicapped and senior citizens using pets to aid their daily lives.“NGOs including Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Progressive Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) are also involved in the program,” she said.

Ee Ling said a total of 39 exhibition areas have been erected by the organizer and the NGOs in exhibiting canine products and services including canine nutrition, clothing, beddings, bags and accessories.

She added that the program aims at inculcating values of responsibility of pet owners and to raise funds for charity work, “Pro-Kasih”, a catch-neuter-release program and also to raise public awareness by teaching professional veterinary knowledge to the public.

First-timer British participant, Debbie Fitch said the hosting of Dogathon 2008 has given her a prized experience.

“My two children and I have brought along our three dogs, Husky, Pimms, and Sammy to contest in two categories, the Space Race and Fastest Eating Duo,” she said.

The program which suceeded in polishing skills of teamwork, leadership and communication among students has been officiated by UPM Boards of Directors Chairman, Tan Sri Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim.

Also present at the event was UPM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), Prof. Dr. Tai Shzee Yew, UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamad and Petpositive Chairperson, Anthony Thanasayan.

http://www.researchsea.com/html/announcements.php/aid/3469/cid/6/research/upm_dogathon_2008_acknowledged_in_malaysia_book_of_records.html

Natural Balance Adopts Fixing Mr. Clown

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods will be adopting the Fixing Mr. Clown Main Stage Event this year!

Natural Balance, a relatively new brand in the Malaysian market, but widely popular in the US, will be sponsoring the yummy prizes for this event.

This game requires the dog and owner to run to one end of the track, where the owner grabs one of the parts of the clown face and hangs it around the dog's neck, and then they run back to the board where they try to fix Mr. Clown's face back together again.

A total of ten attractive hampers await:

• The top 5 participants with LARGE SIZED dog
  
• The top 5 participants with SMALL SIZED dog 

Phew...... With so many prizes piling up, are you keeping track?  Keep your eyes on the prize people (and canines), you could walk away from Dogathon with hundreds of ringgit worth in products (plus have a load of fun at the same time)!

Artemis, Nutram and Eagle Pack Adopts Speedo Eater and Doggie Go Round

Three more new brands joining us!

These American and Canadian brands will be coming in to sponsor the prizes for the Speedo Eater and Doggy-Go-Round Main Stage Events.

The Speedo-Eater is a new game, which is an adaptation of the Fastest Eating Duo game, whereby the owner and his dog will try to be the fastest to finish up the delicious food sponsored. The difference is, the human food is suspended (no hands allowed!) and there is a bit of running involved....  Doesn't sound too hard right?

A total of 10 prizes await you:

• The top 5 participants with LARGE SIZED dog
  
• The top 5 participants with SMALL SIZED dog
  

Any good at Musical Chairs? Well, Doggy-Go-Round is the doggy version of musical chairs!  As usual, you will have to walk around the chairs with your dog and when the music stops, grab your seat before there's none left...

And you'll get to walk home with our exciting hampers!  As there's no Large or Small size category for this game, the prizes are:

• The top 3 participants with ANY SIZED dog for each round (4 rounds in total)
  

More and more prizes to be won.... Do you want to be one of the winners?

Eukanuba Adopts Sixth Sense and Pet-N-You Agility Trials

Our new sponsor this year, Eukanuba, will be coming in to adopt two programs, the Sixth Sense and Pet-N-You Agility Trials!

The Sixth Sense is a game just introduced last year, and it was very popular, attracting the participation of 150 dogs and their owners.

A 'Y' shaped structure will be set up, with the dog starting at the bottom of the Y and at the other two pointy ends, there will be the owner and a Dogathon volunteer respectively. If your dog finds its way to you, you win! It's that simple.

Bear in mind though, you can only call your dog a maximum of 5 times.... And there will be food and toys along the way to distract it. And there is a time limit of 30 seconds!

The beauty of this game is, once you get through, you'll win an instant prize! It only costs RM3 to play, and we assure you, you'll really want to get your hands on the the prizes sponsored by Eukanuba.

In addition, this year the Pet-N-You Agility Trials will be adopted by Eukanuba. As regular Dogathon participants know, Pet-N-You has been with us for a few years now, doing the Agility Trials and demonstrations at the Main Stage.

As Eukanuba and Pet-N-You previously already have a long standing relationship together, cooperating for numerous dog trials and competitions, it makes sense that this year, as Eukanuba joins Dogathon, they will be working together again. Hence, the prizes for the 8 categories in the Agility Trials will all be sponsored by Eukanuba!

Phew, so what are you waiting for? Attractive prizes and goodies await!

Pet World Malaysia 2009

Hi,

Thanks to the Fairs and Events Management Sdn Bhd, Dogathon 2009 will be sending a team to Pet World Malaysia 2009!

Date : 3 - 5 july 2009

Time : 10am - 9pm

Venue: Mid Valley Exhibition Centre

So, please visit our booth as our dedicated team will be there to answer your inquries - all about Dogathon 2009!

Flashback of Dogathon 2005 - 2008

A short clip giving you a glimpse of Dogathon from 2005 - 2008

Physical Examination of Your Dog

All dogs are compulsory to undergo Physical Examination (free of charge) before registration. During the physical check up, your dog will also be categorised into small or large breed as below:

• Small size: Dog’s height ≤ 45cm
• Large size: Dog’s height ≥ 45cm

1. Your dog will be given a serial number on each collar tag which is its ID No. throughout the Dogathon day.
2. Dogs that are on heat, pregnant, in poor health or showing mistreated signs are not allowed to attend the event.
3. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times.
4. Dogs must be of good temperament, not aggressive and can be controlled.
5. The organisers shall not be liable for any form of illness, disease or parasites the dogs may acquire during the event. Therefore, the participants must take reasonable precautions to prevent any introduction or exposure of their dogs to any diseased or ill animals.

Please dont get confused between Vet consultation and Physical Examination. Physical examination is just a basic, free check-up to determine if your dog is fit to join Dogathon, whereas Vet Consultation costs you RM3 (voucher).

Royal Canin Adopts Fastest Eating Duo

Our long standing event, the Fastest Eating Duo, has been adopted by Royal Canin!  

You and your furry friend will team up to see if you can be our fastest eating duo.  Don't worry, we've prepared human food for the humans and dog food (Royal Canin of course) for the dogs.  

A total of ten attractive prizes sponsored by Royal Canin await :

• The top 5 participants with LARGE SIZED dog
  
• The top 5 participants with SMALL SIZED dog
  

Can you eat fast enough?  How about your dog?  Join us on the 16th of August for the Fastest Eating Duo mainstage event!

Nutriedge Adopts Master Hunt

Great news!  Nutriedge will be adopting the Master Hunt this year, which means plenty of yummy prizes await.....

As usual, our two mazes will be set up (one for large breed, one for small breed), to see how good your dog is at navigating through it back into your arms.  There will be a few obstacles and things to distract the dog along the way, and the dog that finds its master in the shortest time wins.

A total of 10 prizes are up for grabs :

• The top 5 participants with LARGE SIZED dog
  
• The top 5 participants with SMALL SIZED dog

Come on down and try our mazes!  Who knows?  Your dog may be a champion at Master Hunt!

Pet Lovers Centre Adopts Dog Race

The Dogathon sponsorship team happily announces that this year, our main event, theCarnival Dog Race, will be sponsored by well known pet food retailer and chain store owner the Pet Lovers Centre (PLC).

PLC will be sponsoring the prizes for this event, which is divided into 4 categories ;

• Male participants with LARGE SIZED dog
• Female participants with LARGE SIZED dog
• Male participants with SMALL SIZED dog
• Female participants with SMALL SIZED dog

There will be 5 prizes for each category, with 3 souvenirs for participants who manage to find 'treasure' along the way.

The Carnival Dog Race this year will be a 2.5km run (or walk, whichever you prefer), through the beautiful grounds at Bukit Ekspo, UPM. There will be a few easy obstacles you and your canine companion will be required to go through, and hidden treasures along the route for you to find.

It only costs RM10 to join the race!  Come on down and see if your pair has what it takes to win one of our attractive prizes!

Chance to know more about Prokasih!!!

We have been talking about Prokasih. But do you know what is it actually about?

Here is a chance! Please check up Petster Magazine, our official magazine, in June to quench your thirst, as there will be an article featuring this project, which you definitely can't miss it!

So remember to grab yourself a Petster magazine or log on to www.petstermagazine.com

Dog Obedience and Agility Show by MKA

Good news! Dog Obedience and Agility Show will be organised by Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) with details as below:

Date: 20 - 21 of June 2009
Venue: Central Park Bandar Utama

And, Dogathon will be sending a team there too! This means that you may find more information about Dogathon 2009 from us! So, see you there!

Video Clip of Dogathon 2008 by The Star

Dogathon 2009 - Packages

BASIC PACKAGE

A Carnival Dog Race RM10 (unlimited participants)

B Master Hunt RM10 (unlimited participants)

C Fastest Eating Duo + Fixing Mr. Clown RM10 (75 participants only)

D Speed-O-Eater + Doggy-Go-Round RM10 (75 participants only)

SUPER PACKAGE

Any 2 packages RM18

Any 3 Packages RM26

All RM33

**All packages free RM3 cash vouchers.

Please note that CASH VOUCHERS are available in RM3 or RM5 per booklet

OTHERS NOT IN PACKAGE

Clownie and Doggie

- Category 1 RM2

- Category 2 RM3

Vet Consultation RM3

Sixth Sense RM3

Amusement Park (for every single game) RM1

Horse Back Riding RM5

Itinerary of Dogathon 2009

0630 - Registration

0800 - Opening Ceremony

0830 - Carnival Dog Race

0915 - Pet-N-You Demo

0945 - Lucky Draw

1000 - Fastest Eating Duo (FED)

1040 - Doggy-Go-Round

1110 - MKA Demo

1130 - Prize Giving - FED & Doggy-Go-Round

1150 - Fixing Mr. Clown

1230 - Speed-o-eater

1315 - Closing Ceremony

- Lucky Draw

- Prize Giving: Dog Race, Clownie & Doggie, Master Hunt, Speed-o-eater, Fixing Mr. Clown

On Going Events

1. Physical Examination 6.30am – 1.00pm
2. Vet Consultation & First Aid 8.00am – 12.00pm
3. Clownie & Doggie 7.00am – 11.45am
4. Master Hunt 9.30am – 12.00pm
5. Sixth Sense 7.00am – 1.00pm
6. Amusement Park 7.00am – 1.00pm
7. Horse Back Riding 9.30am – 12.00pm

Note: The organiser of Dogathon 2009 reserves the right to amend any above without prior notice.

Why must you come to Dogathon 2009?

Hi all, why do we always want you to join us in Dogathon? For few simple reasons:

1. To get attractive souvenirs worth of RM100++ and win prizes!
2. To have a fun day out with your doggies, as we all know these lovely creatures like outdoor activities.
3. To seize opportunity for you and your kids to rejuvenate from the daily tension and pressure.
4. To allow your doggies to smell, play and greet with other dogs, as dogs like socializing with one another.
5. To explore pet-related industry - Various pet food, grooming service and veterinary consultation, you name it, are "gathered" here in this special day, that definitely help you decide what is best for you as an owner and your dog's quality of life.
6. To be a part of charity drive - Your participation indirectly helps in the betterment of stray animals, via ProKasih or Stray Animal Neutering Project.
7. To learn more about ProKasih and your role as a pet owner in promoting animal welfare.

Now what? Mark your calendar for 7am - 2pm on 16th August 2009, in Bukit Ekspo, UPM.

Abandoned Dogs Cannibalizing Each Other

4^th May 2009, KLANG – SPCA Selangor Animal Inspectors and Save A Stray founder Jacqueline Tsang made another trip to Pulau Ketam and the neighbouring uninhabited island on Monday to check on the dogs that had been abandoned on Pulau Selat Kering.

What they witnessed confirmed their worst fear.

Upon approaching Pulau Selat Kering, the team saw approximately 10 dogs on the fringe of the island. When they moved closer, a horrific sight unfolded. Several emaciated dogs were crowded and hunched around som– they were hungrily feasting on the remains of another dog.

Upon reaching back to the main island (Pulau Ketam), the team met with the Sungai Lima village head (also facing a stray dog crisis), and Mr Loo (Secretary of Ketam Dogs Catching Committee). They agreed to cooperate with SPCA & SAS on emergency rescue and relief efforts for the abandoned dogs, as well as long-term plans sterilize the dogs and either rehome or relocate them.

SPCA and SAS are appealing to the public to contribute to their Pulau Ketam fund, to aid the emergency rescue and relief efforts over the next several weeks. Funds will be utilized to hire boats for transportation of the dogs, purchase dog food, medical supplies and cages. The start-up fund is RM1,300 – proceeds from a networking event SPCA organized last Sunday.

We also appreciate donations in kind – 3’ x 3’ multipurpose cages, dog biscuits and canned food, food and water bowls, towels, water storage containers, and flea/tick spray. All donated items can be sent to the SPCA Animal Shelter in Ampang Jaya.

How can you help?

1. Donate Online
2. Fund Transfers & Cheques
3. Volunteers
   If you are an experienced dog-handler, animal rescuer or vet and interested in assisting with the emergency rescue and relief work, or able to foster adult dogs or puppies temporarily.

SPCA’s contact:

Email: enquiries@spca.org.my

Address:

SPCA Selangor

Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama

68000 Ampang Jaya

Selangor Darul Ehsan

Tel: 603-4256 5312 (8am - 4.30pm) or 03- 4253 5312 (10am – 6.30pm)

DOGATHON™ 2008 vs 2009

In 2008, the theme "Aerospace" had attracted more than 600 dogs together with their owners. They "spaced out" from the hustle and bustle of city life to join us in Dogathon, where they were welcomed by our huge rocket, astronauts and aliens!

What about this Dogathon year?

Just get yourselves and your canine friends ready for Carnivale Canine on 16th August 2009!

You sure can't miss it!

Dogathon 2008 in TV2 Chinese News

Dogathon New Games

Clownie and Doggie

“It is time to dress up!”

Dress up yourself and your doggie with astonishing circus costume. Cheer it up! Take a snapshot of you and your doggie to enter one of the category or both to win attractive prizes! This game is a revolution of Dogathon™ Space Idol; Dogathon™ 2008.

We understand that our participants are good photographers! Therefore, different from previous year, you can now take the best shots of you and your dogs, at home or anywhere before Dogathon™ event. Just drop by at our booth on the 16th August and submit your photo to win attractive prizes! (Each submission costs only RM2.00)

If you ever forget to bring your photo to Dogathon, dont be discouraged as you can still take part in this competition where our professional cameraman will always be standby to "freeze" the gorgeous moment of yours and your dogs! (3 shots per RM3.00 but only 1 photo to be chosen for submission.)

Speed-O-Eater

“Amusedly speeding or amusedly eating?”

Run to the end of track to grab the food and find your own way to finish up the food as fast as you can together with your dog and run back to the beginning of track! But beware of the whistle commander; you will have to perform some tasks when you hear the sound ‘BEEP’! So what are you waiting for? Come and get yourself speedily amused!

Doggy-Go-Round

“A simple and typical musical chair game…”

A childhood game that is often played but now you can play with your dog! The participant needs to go around the chairs in the circle during the music is being played and quickly take a sit to the nearest chair when the music stops. Be alert at all times and you will be rewarded with fabulous prizes! All dogs must be on a leash nearer to you. This game is a transfiguration of Alien Says; Dogathon^TM 2008.

NOTE: Terms and conditions apply.

Dogathon 2008 in NTV7 News

Know More about Dogathon™ and ProKasih

History of Dogathon™

1. Started in 1997. This means it is in its 13th year.
2. Organized by VETERNAK-Zoologico Club of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM.
3. Main objective - as a charity drive where all the funds raised are channeled towards an animal welfare project, “Pro-Kasih”.
4. Main event - Dogathon™ Race where dogs and owners are required to run for 3.0 km in the early morning coolness under the shady trees of UPM.
5. The Dogathon™ is unlike any other dog show where dogs are caged-up for the purpose of exhibition. It is an event where pedigree and non-pedigree dogs are all welcomed to participate in.

Objetives

1. To raise funds to be channeled towards the betterment of stray animals, through welfare project “PRO KASIH”, which is run by the Veterinary Students to campaign against cruelty to animals.
2. To hold an Absolutely Doggy Day
a) by organizing a fun-filled day for the dogs, canine-lovers and kids.
b) by enabling dog lovers to meet and socialize among themselves.
3. To increase public awareness of professionals involved with pet animals and promote the veterinary profession.
4. To create a platform to promote the responsible dog ownership.

What is “Pro-Kasih”?

• Age: 4 years old.
• It is more commonly known as stray animal neutering project.
• Spear-headed by our students which funds on Dogathon™. Before that, the funds raised from Dogathon™ were channeled to SPCA and PAWS.
• Main objective - to control the population of strays in a more humane way.
• Approaches - Education of the public, environmental preventative measures, and neutering via a catch-neuter-release program which begins on the campus grounds of UPM.

Dogathon 2009 is back!

Being endorsed by Malaysia Book of Records as the Largest Gathering of Dogs in Malaysia in 2008 for having more than 600 dogs, Dogathon 2009 will be back for its 13th times.

Its details are as below:

Theme:
“Carnivale Canine- Tails Up, It’s Show time!”

Date:
16th August 2009 (Sunday)

Time:
7.00am to 2.00pm

Venue:
Bukit Ekspo, UPM

Organizers:
Zoologico-VETERNAK Club
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Universiti Putra Malaysia