The wait is over! Last week, Auckland SPCA announced the astonishing achievement three shelter dogs achieved through specialized training by learning to drive a Mini Cooper Countryman that made headlines around the world. Now, the moment has arrived. Two of the dogs have hit the track and are driving solo on New Zealand national television!
Porter begins his lap on an Auckland race track
Porter turns a corner on a Mini Cooper Countryman
A New Frontier for Dogs
Auckland SPCA dogs made headlines on Monday as two of their canine driving representatives Porter, the ten-month-old Beardie Cross and Monty, a giant Schnauzer Cross became the first dogs in the world to drive a car solo. Monty became the first dog to drive in this televised event, reported news.com. Porter drove around the corner of the track as a television reported sat in the passenger seat.
Porter the 10-month old Beardie Cross drives with a reporter in the passenger seat
He was largely successful, but ran off the track onto a grass verge at one point as the reporter nervously asked Mr Vette "can we stop now?"
It's all the dog doing it,” said trainer Mark Vette as Monty cruised along the track looking relaxed with one paw resting on the steering wheel before coming safely to a halt.
He's started the key, put the paw on the brake to allow it to go into gear, put it into drive, paw on the steering wheel, accelerator on, and off he goes down the track.”
We are absolutely delighted that the public has been able to see first hand just how gifted, talented and intelligent SPCA animals really are. 'Monty, Ginny and Porter have been outstanding ambassadors for the many animals sitting in SPCA shelters throughout the country and the world waiting to find a home, said Christine Kalin, SPCA Auckland CEO.”
We hope that people will take the “driving dogs” message to heart and that SPCA dog’s will be their first choice, not only because they are smart and intelligent, but because they have been abandoned and deserve a home.”
Auckland SPCA dog Porter handles the Mini Countrman with K-9 precision
Porter stands proud and stall in front of his modified Mini Countryman
The three dogs trained for the track: Monty, Ginny and Porter
Christine Kalin, chief executive of Auckland SPCA was stunned about the worldwide response to the campaign and was thrilled at the success of the message conveyed. “Some people think that by getting a shelter dog they're somehow getting a second class citizen, we're with these dogs every day, we know how wonderful they are,” said Kalin.
“This was an opportunity to show New Zealand, and as it's turned out the world, how amazing these animals are.”
Simonne Mearns, MINI Brand Manager New Zealand, said: “The campaign has been a monumental success with people talking about SPCA rescue dogs in news and social media, all over the world. “We hope the fact that Porter, Monty and Ginny have learnt to drive a MINI Countryman will encourage people to make the SPCA the first choice when adopting a dog.” The overwhelmingly successful campaign was from the creators of the New Zealand advertising agency DraftFCB which has worked with the SPCA previously on campaigns to “challenge” preconceived notions about shelter dogs.
VIDEO: incredible footage of the world's first driving dog
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Click here for the full scoop from last week on how the dogs were trained.SOURCE: Auckland SPCA Facebook | Daily Mail | News.com
