As many of you know and since I have not in the least hidden, said fact: I am a dog person… well more to the point I’m an animal person… I love cats, dogs, wallabies, snakes, parrots and even arachnids (just as long as they stay away from me)… as such I became entranced with one of this week’s race, THE CANINATON (loosely translated “the canine marathon”, although calling it a marathon would be ingratiating it, the real distance is about 3km)… It may not be as glamorous as the Women's NIKE race, that is being held one day after, but although it is overshadowed by a vastly more popular brand, it has managed to a footing in the publics mind.
“The Caninaton” will be held on Saturday the 19th of March in Buenos Aires, it’s the sort of spectacle whose, true purpose has nothing, to do with its implied function (a race)… The cost of participation is a mere 10 pesos (that less than 3 dollars) and in exchange you not only contribute with 4 kilograms (about 9 pounds) of dog food for different animal shelters, but also acquire the following items: One Dry fit shirt, hydration and snacks during the “race” and a show afterword.
Lets be honest “That’s a lot for you buck”
So much so that one has to begin to wonder:
How does the organization cover costs for such an event with 3 bucks a head???
Think about, not only do the need to pay for the shirts and design, but they also need to spread out “the mulla” and pay for permits, drinks, publicity, posters and hundreds of other items… now we all know that PEDIGREE isn’t exactly a poor company, on the contrary (according to Wikipedia and google), this pet food manufacturer belongs in reality to MARS INCORPORATED, a 30 billion dollar privately own organization (5th in Forbes magazines 2008 list of privately held companies in the U.S.A)… and for those of you who do not associate MARS Inc with your everyday life… well lets just say that aside from animal food, they also cater to our more critical palate (M&Ms, snickers, Mars Bars, twix, skittels, starburst, etc)…
So all in all they have the cash for such an event… and to publicly get some nice PR in the process…
But that really is beside the point, for whatever reason they truly have (and sometime the cause, might actually justify the means), they are staging such a race… the outcome and the objective must be underlined: in 2008 Pedigree began in Argentina their DOGGY ADOPTION PROGRAM a completely free enterprise spawned with the single purpose; finding homes for the less fortunate of our 4 legged friends, so far they managed a stand up job… the only requisites are: LOVE YOUR PET... rather simple request… take them out for a walk around the block, give the nourishment, a home, some company… trust me they will love it and love you in return… That’s all they ask and all you actually need to adopt one of these beauties.
So even if you do not have a Dog, even if you haven’t walk 3km in your life stop by on Saturday the 19th at 3 o’clock at this location: Av. Alcorta and Indtendiente Pinedo, and join the festivities. Look around, perhaps you will find (among the dogs displayed for adoption) your new constant companion…
They need your help, they want your help and all you have to do is show up and fall in love with them.
For more info http://pedigree.com.ar/index.asp
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