September 2, 2005

Large crowd attends third annual Walk ‘N Wag

Pet look-a-like contests, microchip specials, dog agility and behavior training highlighted the Humane Society Silicon Valley’s (HSSV) third annual Walk ’N Wag Walk-A-Thon.

A Lincoln Avenue store served as a sponsor for the Walk ‘N Wag. The owners of Gussied Up Dog Boutique brought some of its wares including treats to sell at the event. Pictured above are Kim Lipsett and Reyna Castro with Bear, a German shepherd mixd owned by the Humane Society’s Laura Fulda.

The event was held Aug. 13 from 8:30 am to noon at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in Kelley Park, San Jose. Nearly 300 animal lovers participated in the walk-a-thon to help raise money for the shelter, which is celebrating 75 years of bringing people and pets together. The walk-a-thon raised at least $43,000, up from the $35,375 raised last year.

“For 75 years, Humane Society Silicon Valley has promoted value and respect for animal life by connecting people and pets,” said Christine Benninger, HSSV president. “This unique walk-a-thon allows us to highlight our vital shelter programs and celebrate the magic of the human-animal bond.”

The shelter has a comprehensive program of animal care, adoptions, lost & found, and a medical center offering affordable spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchips.

Walk ’N Wag wasn’t just for dog owners. All animal lovers were encouraged to walk the course in honor of their pet. Registered participants were encouraged to obtain pledges to walk the interactive course with their dog. Along the way, they experienced engaging presentations on animal behavior, dog training and agility.

Some of the activities included an appearance by the Big Dog mascot. Big Dogs clothing store is the lead sponsor. There were pet contests including pet look-a-like, best trick, biggest lap dog and best costume. The Humane Society also held a microchip clinic to encourage pet owners to microchip their pets so they can be easily re-united with their owners if they become lost. Microchips were discounted to a $35 donation and included registration with a national databank.

Paul Roberts Photography took professional pet photos and there were animal related booths with giveaways and information on animals. There also was a tile-painting project in which parents could purchase tiles for their children or dogs to decorate. The tiles will be placed in a hallway to a new “family lounge” at Westfield Valley Fair. All proceeds benefited HSSV and the United Way Silicon Valley (UWSV).

About Humane Society Silicon Valley
Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is an independent, nonprofit agency offering quality adoptions, medical care and education programs to enhance the human-animal bond. Established in 1929, HSSV has served Silicon Valley for 75 years and grown into one of the largest animal shelters on the West Coast, caring for nearly 24,000 animals in fiscal year 2004-2005. To date, HSSV has adopted more than 500,000 animals into permanent, loving homes. In fiscal 2003-2004 alone, HSSV found loving homes for 7,451 animals, spayed/neutered 6,191 dogs, cats and rabbits and vaccinated 11,947 pets. The agency has an “open-door” shelter policy and accepts animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of any temperament or health-related problems. HSSV’s medical center offers affordable spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchips to the public.