‘Paws Around the Park’ surpasses expectations

The local Friends of Animals held its third-annual “Paws Around the Park” fundraiser Saturday at Pither’s Point Park, with record numbers in both dollars and participation.
“We are truly overwhelmed with the tremendous amount of community support we received for the event,” said organizer Susan Cousineau. “We surpassed all expectations in both the number of participants and the amount raised.”
“Paws” raised nearly $11,000 this year, compared to about $7,500 in 2002. Cousineau said they were expecting 30-35 registered walkers, but more than 45 signed up.
“We also drew a great crowd of spectators who enjoyed the contests and pizza lunch,” she added.
Top pledge-getters were Tanya Ness with $1,085, Jastra Bell ($570), and Alexa Buttner ($260).
But there is more to “Paws Around the Park” than fundraising, and the participants were quick to point that out. “It’s a wonderful family thing to do with your dog,” said Petrina Carlson.
The Carlsons, including husband, Kurt, daughter, Chelsea, 10, and golden retriever, “Brandy,” have been participating in “Paws Around the Park” since its inception.
Chelsea had set up a Kool-Aid stand this summer and raised $25, which she donated to Friends of Animals.
For Elaine Aveyard and her border collie, “Brook,” this was their first time at the event. “I get a kick out of seeing all the different kinds of dogs,” she said.
Sheila Carmody came with “Buddy,” her Siberian husky/German shepherd mix, which she adopted from Friends of Animals.
“Buddy” was one of a litter of puppies found abandoned nearly two years ago. He also was one of the largest dogs at the walk Saturday.
Carmody said the walk and the organization that runs it are “very important.”
“You see so many stranded animals. I think Friends of Animals is really important,” agreed Elinor Curtis, whose dog, “Maggie,” was the official mascot of this year’s event.
“Some people think they can just dump an animal when they don’t want it anymore,” she noted. “People need to be involved and know that it is a problem in this area.”
Curtis adopted “Maggie” from Friends of Animals back in February—a few weeks after she had been found cold and starving under a house with her seven puppies.
“Maggie” and her adopted family “truly represent what this event is all about,” Cousineau said.