More than 150 dogs and their owners attempted to set a world record for the “most dogs wearing paw protectors” at Perry Lakes on April 28, 2018. 

 

Hosted by the Western Australian Sleddog Sports Association (WASSA), the event attracted 184 dogs. The club, however, was 66 dogs short of breaking the record. 

 

Event organiser and WASSA committee member Madison Rogers said gaining participation from the wider community was a “huge” influence which led to the event.  

 

“The committee was looking for different fundraising ideas, because quite often our fundraising opportunities are just within in the club,” Miss Rogers said.

 

“We thought we would try and do a public event where we could get the community involved and raise awareness of our sport.

 

“It was really good to see everybody turn up and participate with their dogs.”

 

All the funds raised from the sale of the paw protector booties will go directly towards supporting the WASSA and their sporting activities. 

 

Miss Rogers said the funds are vital for the non-for-profit club because they are in “desperate” need of a new canine trailer.  

 

“The club’s current trailer is no longer waterproof and it is very heavy, so we are in need of a new trailer,” she said. 

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Founded in 1991, WASSA is run entirely by volunteers, and many of them helped to deliver a fun and memorable event.  

 

“It is such a family spirit and we are always looking for new committee members,” Miss Rogers said. 

 

“Some of the families have been involved in WASSA for more than 15 years and everyone just adds to the club.”

 

Not only did the event involve a world record attempt, but there was plenty of dog stalls and rescue organisations for attendees to support. 

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WA Pet Project President Jennifer Sutey said their rescue group were delighted to be involved.  

 

“Our organisation does a lot of work with WASSA, so it is really nice to be working together with the club and supporting each other,” Miss Sutey said. 

 

“At WA Pet Project, we like to see lots of dog owners getting involved with their pets and doing something really responsible.

 

“That is what we are about, we are all about humans and their dogs.”