Snappy movers show dogged determination

Dogs of all shapes and sizes gathered at Hastings racecourse on Saturday for the local SPCA's Doggy Day Out.

Fundraising Manager Faye Johnson said: "The day was designed to celebrate the special bond between people and their dogs and it was fantastic to see so many families enjoying a fun day with their dogs and helping raise much needed funds for their local SPCA at the same time.

"We were thrilled to have raised about $2500.

"There were lots of laughs with the competitions - musical sit, egg and spoon race and sausage retrieve, as well as the other competitions ... including the waggiest tail and most tongue exposure."

Hawke's Bay Dog Training Club ran dog agility displays and Santa and his sleigh popped in for a visit, along with the Havelock North Vintage Fire Engine, Hastings Intermediate Kapa-Haka group, food caravans and canine related stalls.

Sarah Holyoake from The Breeze was MC for the day and a walk around the Hastings Racecourse was led by the Hastings Police Dog Squad.

The event was set to become a regular feature on the SPCA's events calendar as it helped to provide much needed funds for their Animal Shelter at a busy time of year.

"We receive no Government or national body funding, so we are solely reliant on our community and events like this to provide the $15,000 we need every month to keep our shelter running," Ms Johnson said.