Pooches come clean for a cause

by Kirsty Duncan

April 11, 2008

MUDOCH UNI vet students will go head-to-head with Sydney University’s veterinary school this Sunday, as they battle for the title of ‘most dogs washed in a day’.

The Murdoch annual charity dog wash will be held on April 13 for mutts of all shapes and sizes.

“Currently, Sydney holds the record , but we’re hoping to beat that this year,” says Emma Mainprize, Murdoch Veterinary Students Association vice president.

The pooches will be pampered with the works - washing, drying, patting and a basic health check - all for the small price of $10.

Fourth and fifth year students will be performing the clinical examinations with veterinarians supervising. And Ms Mainprize says there’ll be no lack of capable helping hands.

“We usually have so many people to help out that there are about three people per dog,” she says.

The variety of dogs ensures the day is always an interesting one, with breeds ranging from Great Danes and Border Collie show dogs, down to minute Chihuahuas.

“But you generally try to get the Chihuahuas wrapped in a towel quicker so they don’t get cold,” laughs Ms Mainprize.

The dog wash proved successful last year with over 270 canines washed. A profit of $3,003 was made.  All money raised this year will be divided equally between the Association for the Blind, the RSPCA and the Murdoch Veterinary Trust.

The dog wash will be held at the Equine Barn, off Murdoch Drive, between 10am and 4pm Sunday, April 13. Just follow the signs.