This weekend the local Friends of Animals will hold their annual “Paws Around the Park” event and organizer Susan Cousineau said it’s not too late to participate.
“Just pledge yourself a few dollars and come on out and walk,” she said. “People don’t have to walk a dog. Last year, a few walkers just went out and walked anyway.”
For those who don’t own a dog but who would like to walk one, Friends of Animals has dogs who have not yet found loving homes who would love to go on the walk.
“We still need a few people to walk our foster dogs,” Cousineau said. Those interested in walking a foster dog should contact Friends of Animals ahead of time at 274-2144.
Cousineau said it is important that walkers bring their completed pledge forms and pledges to registration Saturday morning in order to be eligible for the fundraising prizes.
First prize this year is an Olympus digital camera, second prize is a JVC DVD player, and third prize is an RCA portable CD player. Prizes will be awarded in adult, teen, and child categories.
New this year is the “Pets on Parade” photo contest. Walk participants are encouraged to bring in photos of their pet dog, cat, or both for judging. Winners will bring home gift baskets full of pet toys and treats.
“We welcome the public to come and watch the events,” Cousineau said. The walk ends at 11:30 a.m. and the events begin immediately after.
“The doggie contests are a lot of fun and a lot of laughs,” she said. Categories in this year’s doggie contests include best howl, silliest costume, waggiest tail, droopiest jowls, most obedient, loudest bark, and best trick.
This year’s mascot is “Maggie,” who was found in January—cold and malnourished—under a house with her seven puppies.
They are all doing well now, and Maggie and her pups have been adopted into good homes.
As mascot, “Maggie” will lead the walk, followed by the Friends of Animals alumni dogs that have found homes through the Adopt-a-Pet program.
Registration will be from 10-10:30 a.m. on Sept. 6 at Pither’s Point Park, with the walk beginning at 11, rain or shine.
This year, Friends of Animals purchased property on Highway 11 East where they hope to build a shelter for homeless animals. Some of the funds raised at “Paws around the park” will go towards the new shelter.
Receipts will be issued for minimum pledge amounts of $10 (not $100 as was previously advertised). Pledges can be mailed to Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 545, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.
Last year, “Paws Around the Park” had 30-40 participants and raised about $7,500.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
