![Wet dogs, but happy dogs: people from Nivernais of all kinds motivated for La Croquette [Vidéo]](https://mrila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Wet-dogs-but-happy-dogs-people-from-Nivernais-of-all.jpg "Wet dogs, but happy dogs: people from Nivernais of all")
The six-legged race has found its niche in the calendar. Once again, hundreds of participants came to trot or walk their dogs, on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 in Saint-Éloi, for the third edition of La Croquette.
All entries for this canicross were donated to the Beauregard refuge. “And it also helps us a lot, to be known,” adds Didier Chamberlan, the president of the structure.
La Croquette, a Nivernaise race on foot and on foot, returns to Saint-Éloi
Since the beginning of the year, it has received a total of 80 dogs. “And 157 cats… We must not forget the cats. “The latter do not like walks on a leash and would have difficulty finding their place at La Croquette. However, they represent a huge financial investment for the shelter. “Since June alone, we have found 92 kittens. People really need to neuter their cats. It’s a nuisance.”
“With a little education everything goes well”
Twelve dogs from Beauregard took part in La Croquette. They could be recognized by their white bandanas. Participants without canine companions took them along on the five-kilometer circuit. The loops started from the town hall and visited the surrounding undergrowth. Under the sun, Saturday 5 October. In rain, Sunday 6 October. Clean hair or soaked hair, small youkis or big Danes, the truffles beamed with happiness.
“It’s amazing to see all these animals together,” thinks Didier Chamberlan. “And we see that they manage to live together very well. This is one of the common reasons for dropouts. We are told that a dog cannot live with another. But we see that with a little education everything goes well. As for humans, actually…”
Now dogs will love postal workers
“This moment is fantastic,” comments Antoine De Wilde, the creator of La French Run, who brings all his logistical and communication skills to the event. “It’s just a little sad that all these dogs aren’t going away with a family.”
Of course, there is no actual adoption during canicross, but past experience has shown that it was a first contact… which could lead to results.
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For good measure, La Poste staff joined together to offer a check for €600 to the Beauregard refuge. They presented it on the occasion of La Croquette. “Perfect…” laughs a volunteer, “now we can no longer say that dogs don’t like postmen. »
By the numbers
296
two-legged participants at La Croquette 2024
150
four-legged participants
12
dogs from the shelter
€3,300
donated to Beauregard
Bertrand Yvernault
