“It’s something we haven’t tried here before,” Ms Deerie said. “This will be the first time if we can get the initial interest.”

Ms Deery said she was trying to build the event into more than just a Million Paws Walk. She is also hoping to attract stallholders and presenters who can offer something extra towards the day to bring in the crowds and make the event even bigger.

“I’m hoping to attract people interested in having a stall, maybe demonstrations of products, possibly even encourage local businesses to come on board and offer education and awareness raising for the general community on dogs and pets in general,” she said.

The Million Paws Walk was started back in 1994 after Dr Cam Day, the RSPCA Queensland operations manager and veterinarian, considered ways to raise $1 million dollars and community awareness for animals that were disadvantaged.

The event, held in May each year nationally since 1996, sees dog owners take their dogs on designated walks in their towns and cities (or is that dogs take their owners on these walks?). Either way, the events seem to attract lots of interest and help raise awareness of the need for good pet care.

The event is not only limited to dogs though, as many pet owners are encouraged to take their other pets for the walk.

“We are hoping this event will be more of an awareness raising event, not just for the sake of fundraising.”

Ms Deerie said the RSPCA is also hoping to bring on board a range of community organisations to assist with the big day, as well as encourage pet owners to grab the lead and join in on May 15 for a walk in the park.

If you would like to participate (and we are sure you will) please contact Susie Deerie on 0428 657 193 for all the details.