On Saturday, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) came alive with excited barks and wagging tails as animal lovers gathered for Dogathon 2025.
Organised by UPM’s veterinary medicine students and supported by FMT Lifestyle, the event drew pet parents from all walks of life, and dogs of various sizes and breeds.
Some paw-ticipants even arrived before sunrise. Despite the early hour, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
The dogs’ reactions were mixed: some were quietly curious and needed a little time to warm up, while others were simply bursting with excitement.
Adorable costumes were on full display: one pooch wore a Spider-Man harness, while others strutted around in tiny booties!
Their humans also came well-prepared, bringing along water, treats and even portable fans.
Highlights of the day included the Dog Race Challenge – a 1km fun run for furparents and their pooches. The dogs’ reactions were particularly amusing: one Golden Retriever was seen sniffing a beautiful female before the flag-off, clearly more interested in her than the race!
While most dogs sped enthusiastically alongside their humans, some preferred a slower pace. One little cutie was so mesmerised by cheering spectators that the canine paused to sniff the humans – turning the course into a catwalk (or dogwalk?) of sorts.
Crowds were also drawn to the Dogémon Gym, a fun obstacle course; and the Dogémon Adventure House, which featured interactive games such as treat hunts and hide-and-seek.
Then there was the Dogé-Pup Cosplay Challenge Catwalk, which featured finalists chosen from an online contest held earlier. The canines looked especially charming as they strutted across the stage with their humans.
Other attractions included a dog-obedience demonstration, a vet consultation station, and a canine osteoarthritis assessment booth.
Paw-fect memories, truly
Vijayan Arumugam came with his family and their Siberian Husky, Rahul, keen on joining the Dog Race Challenge.
“We arrived at 5.40am, but registration was already full. We didn’t know we had to register online,” said the 56-year-old.
Nevertheless, the family made the most of their day, enjoying other activities such as the Pawfect Memories station, which allowed participants to create personalised paw-printed tote bags or framed artwork with their furry companions.
There, Aileen Wee was accompanied by her seven-year-old Golden Retriever, Charles. “He is getting older, and making a tote bag with his paw prints is a way to preserve memories of him,” she told FMT Lifestyle.
Although Wee, 40, works in Kuala Lumpur and Charles lives in her hometown of Melaka, she had a friend bring him to her the day before the event.
And despite the long journey, Charles successfully completed the Dog Race Challenge. “We both enjoyed ourselves,” Wee said with a smile.
Another inspiring race finisher was Fluffy, a differently abled dog – and it was her very first race! “She was great and faster than ever,” said her proud human, Neoh Lai Jit.
The 29-year-old had adopted Fluffy five years ago from My Forever Doggo. The sweet-natured canine remained calm and composed, even around the many other dogs – including the more extroverted ones!
Yet another proud furparent was Camey Chan, whose one-year-old poodle, Jube, also completed the race, despite it being his first time participating.
“He was so focused and excited during the race,” Chan, 33, expressed. “I felt so happy watching him, and we’ll definitely join the next Dogathon!”
Throughout the day, it was heartwarming to see new connections being made between canines and humans alike. After all, what could be a better ice-breaker than: “Your dog is so cute! Can I pat him/her?”
Indeed, Dogathon 2025 was a terrific experience for many. And with proceeds going to a good cause – specifically Prokasih, the organisers’ stray neutering project – it was certainly a meaningful, “un-fur-gettable” time!
