Dogs to make catwalk comeback

THE carpark of Torquay’s favourite dog walking café is set to become a runway this Sunday, July 17, so the Surf Coast’s best-dressed pooches can strut their stuff.

The Salty Dog Café, situated in front of Fishermans Beach in The Esplanade, will host its third annual Pooch Parade following two years of cancellations due to COVID-19.

“It’s a good, fun day out,” café owner James Zocchi said. “We will be using the day as a way of giving back with all entry fees proceeds going to the Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS), there will also be some donation boxes, and whatever is raised on the day we’ll match ourselves.

“We’re expecting close to 50 dogs, 10-12 in each size category from small through to extra-large, with a bunch of other random prizes too such as best owner/dog combo, best trick and some other ones, too.”

An MC will be on hand to run proceedings, a panel of judges will decide prize winners, and a dog washer will be on deck to give any pooch in attendance a good clean.

Mr Zocchi said the parade had proven popular in recent years almost to the point of being “out of control”. He reassured possible attendees that it was a great way to spend some time during the weekend on Torquay’s main strip, even if you were not a dog owner.

“We encourage people who do not have dogs to come down, it’s a bit of fun for the community and it’s all for a good cause,” he said.

“The anticipation for this year’s parade is quite high given we actually cancelled last year’s event just two weeks before it was scheduled to take place.

“That was really disappointing, we had all the prizes lined up, all the sponsors ready to go, so I think this year’s event will be pretty big.”

Registrations can be done in-person at the café or via email at [email protected], but spaces are limited.

The parade is expected to begin at 2pm.