Showing animal love

PetsWALK set for May 30, money raised benefits Kitsap Humane Society.

Big dogs, little dogs, cats and maybe even a pony will turn up at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds tomorrow.

The Harlon “Dee” Moody Memorial presents PetsWALK 2009 Saturday, May 30 at the Fairgrounds and money raised at the event will go toward the animals of the Kitsap Humane Society (KHS).

KHS events coordinator Kate Justice said last year’s PetsWALK raised $26,000 for the animal shelter and the money goes to various aspects of animal care at the facility.

“It takes care of everything,” she said.

Justice said KHS hopes to rake in at least $26,000 at this year’s PetsWALK.

She said people who raise $50 will receive a T-shirt for themselves and bandanas for their pets. Other prizes include a KHS tote, PetsWALK T-shirt and people who raise $1,000 will have a KHS kennel named after them for an entire year.

“We really just hope to get walkers,” she said.

Justice said people don’t have to raise money for the walk. They can donate money to KHS at the animal shelter’s tent at PetsWALK.

“They can absolutely donate,” she said. “The donations add up and help with the running of the shelter each year.”

While the walk is the centerpiece of PetsWALK, people and their pets are invited to check out other activities throughout the day.

Other festivities include an agility course, microchip clinic, vendor fair, canine good citizens certification, a pet talent and Frisbee disc contest as well as a pet costume contest.

“We get about 300 people there to see the event or participate in the walk,” Justice said.

She said all sorts of animals show up at PetsWALK and this year will be no different.

“We’ll even have llamas there this year, but usually we have mainly dogs and cats,” she said.

Justice said people don’t have to bring a pet to PetsWALK and even those without an animal will have a good time.

“It’s a community event. It gets people out in the community together,” she said.

PetsWALK is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit the KHS Web site at www.kitsaphumane.org. The KHS events department may be reached at (360) 692-6977, ext. 7113 or e-mail events@kitsap-humane.org.

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