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Wow and woof: world record at “St. Wauli”! 452 canines simultaneously lifted their paws for world record and animal welfare at the dog festival at Heiligengeistfeld in Hamburg. The feat was the finale of Fressnapf’s major fundraising campaign “Give Paw!” in support of the German animal welfare association. The campaign already raised 150,000 euros from the sale of “Give Paw” stickers in Fressnapf stores at the end of last year. Fressnapf further increased this sum by 10 euros per nose for the world record holders, i.e. an increase of 4,520 euros. TV dog psychologist Martin Rütter and his D.O.G.S. team increased the donation by a further 5,000 euros. Fressnapf Managing Director Marc Lukies presented the donation cheque for 160,000 euros to German animal welfare association president Wolfgang Apel, following the world record.

“Dogs of Hamburg, give paw!” – Two and four-legged friends across the 1,000m2 St. Wauli event arena sprung into action at the call of Marc Lukies, who gave the starting signal for the record. The furry stars of the day demonstrated full commitment with plenty of tail wagging, as every paw counted. The proud result: 452 paws simultaneously extended towards their masters and mistresses. Fressnapf found out in advance that a feat of this kind has never been attempted before anywhere in the world, meaning that this was and is without a doubt a world record! Martin Rütter ensured that everything ran smoothly and all St. Wauli dogs cooperated with a give paw training session shortly before the world record.

“This record is truly inspiring. I am impressed at just how many animal lovers participated today and showed their support for animal welfare together with their pet in this way!” said Wolfgang Apel, president of the German animal welfare association on the feat. “We do not receive any grants from the government, so we are dependent on dedicated companies like Fressnapf. With this considerable donation of 160,000 euros, we can save animals and support our financially stricken animal shelters with immediate help. St. Wauli has been a good day for all animal lovers!”


Marc Lukies, who handed over the donation check, was likewise thrilled at the success of the campaign. “We took a unique approach with this world record and have achieved much with a small action. Giving paw is one of the best symbols for the loving partnership between human and canine, making it the perfect symbol for our animal welfare campaign. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all Fressnapf customers who bought a paw sticker last year, as well as all St. Wauli visitors who set the record today. In future, we will try to beat today's world record at St. Wauli and other Fressnapf dog festivals, such as at “Bavaria Dogs” in Munich!”

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St. Wauli 2010: A world record and a mega-donation to animal protection. RGB – JPG St. Wauli 2010: Over 18,000 visitors, a paw-giving world record and a gigantic donation of more than 160,000 euros which Fressnapf's boss Marc Lukies (centre) hands over to Wolfgang Apel (right), president of the German animal welfare society. Also along for the party was the TV dog psychologist Martin Rütter (left). Photo: Fressnapf /Michael Rauhe Download (690KB)