It supports animal welfare organisations Retired Working Dogs, Greyhounds as Pets, Life After Racing and Canine Friends Pet Therapy Dogs, which will be at the games in a bid to raise their profiles.
Games founder Steve Hollander said they will bring a new dimension to the event.
“Dogs and horses are a huge part of many successful farms and families and have been for generations. I’m thrilled that we’ve had sponsors come on board to help each of these charities to raise their public profile during the games,” he said.
Retired Working Dogs finds homes for retired working dogs.
Fundraising manager Karen Cox said some dogs come from large stations and can’t keep up with the demands of a busy working life but would suit a smaller farm or lifestyle block while others have career-ending injuries.
Greyhounds as Pets has been at the games for the past two years and represents a different kind of working dog.
“The games allow us to showcase the true nature of greyhounds to families. They are the perfect pet to adopt and quickly become part of the family,” Greyhounds as Pets marketing and communications head Katherine O’Connor said.
Canine Friends Pet Therapy will also attend. It’s volunteers take well-behaved dogs into rest homes, hospices, special education units and hospitals.
Manawatu events co-ordinator and Canine Friends liaison officer Ann Evans said dogs make a genuine difference to the outlook of people going through a difficult time.
“For those who have retired from farm life or who are too ill to be on the farm, they really miss the daily interaction with their animals so seeing and interacting with dogs can make a huge difference to their outlook,” she said.
Harness Racing will be at the games for the first time.
“Our mission is to work with the racing industry (trainers, breeders and owners) rehoming groups, government organisations and welfare groups to enable the care of the standard-bred horses to exceed the current animal welfare standards,” Harness Racin
corporate services general manager Liz Bishop said.
“Standard-breds can have successful careers after racing in many equestrian disciplines. Our aim is to increase awareness of their suitability for showing, sports horse activities, trekking and so much more.”
The games are on March 14 and 15 in Palmerston North.
