Off on a walk for Hairy Maclary

The Andrew family took their pets on the Hairy Maclary and Friends Fundraising Dog Walk yesterday. (From left) Riley, 8, with Trix, mum Hayley with Sam, friend Trelise Chote and Hollie, 5.Photo/George Novak

Dozens of dogs and their owners pounded the pavement yesterday to raise money for their favourite pooch - Hairy Maclary.

The Hairy Maclary and Friends Fundraising Dog Walk attracted a crowd of more than 100 people plus their pets, who strolled from Memorial Park to the future site of the sculpture near The Strand.

The event was organised by the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club and raised $800, which will go toward the project.

Storytellers from Tauranga Library and the bronzed sculpture of Bottomley Potts awaited the crowd at the end of the walk, along with Lions members who sold sausages to try and raise as much cash possible.

Papamoa mum Anna Lack and her children Ben, 4, and Jamie, 7, brought their dog Milly along.

Mrs Lack told the Bay of Plenty Times the family was "desperate to see Hairy in his new home".

"Much effort has gone into getting Hairy and his friends here," she said.

"Having these sculptures is going to be a huge attraction for Tauranga. Everyone loves Hairy and the gang. Even Milly has helped out. She has eaten around five sausages all by herself. Every little bit helps."

Tauranga mum Hayley Andrew said her family loved the walk.

"It was lovely to see not just dog owners but also dog lovers out in force," she said.

Creative Tauranga's chief executive Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell said the event had been an eyeopener for many.

"Having Bottomley Potts there was great. There were so many kids patting him and even dogs coming up to have a look," she said.

To donate go to: www.hairymaclarysculptures.org.nz, www.givealittle.co.nz or www.boosted.org.nz.