Downtown Valparaiso was full with pups of all kinds for Lakeshore PAWS fourth annual Pup Crawl. Central Park Plaza was buzzing with music, local food, and tons of dogs of all shapes and sizes running around enjoying the nice evening.
"This event is important to us because it is the biggest event that we have of the year. It is a fun nights with lots to do," said Executive Director and co-founder of Lakeshore PAWS, Jeanne Sommer.
The night started off with a walk around downtown where dogs were dressed up and ready for the various contests going on. Awards were given out for smallest dog, cutest dog costume, and most original dog/dog owner costume. Participants and their dogs walked around downtown visiting various shops along the way.
"It's a nice dog walk downtown, but it is also a free event for anyone who wants to come down and enjoy the evening. This event is also to help get some of our available dogs adopted, but mostly to bring awareness to how many homeless dogs are out there and how they make great pets," Sommer said.
After the walk, participants and the public were invited to enjoy great food from local vendors and check out all the booths with various dog products. The band Nawty entertained the crowd as guests and their pups enjoyed the night.
This night was not only a good opportunity for guests to enjoy their own pets, but also a great opportunity to meet some of the dogs available for adoption at Lakeshore PAWS. A lot of pets still need a place to call a home and this event was a great way to show off those dogs.
"All the proceeds today go to Lakeshore PAWS. We use this money to rescue, spay, and neuter our animals. It provides medicine, food and the means to find them all great homes. These kinds of events help get our name out in the community. When people are going to adopt or buy a dog, we hope that they will think of a rescues and give one of our animals a home," said Board Member of Lakeshore PAWS, Molly Judd.
The Pup Crawl was a fun event for all ages. From the food to the music and bouncy house provided by Bounce 'N' Around. Dogs dressed up in anything from tutus to cowboys hats got to enjoy Central Park Plaza.
For more information on adoption or volunteering, visit Lakeshore PAWS's website http://www.lakeshorepaws.org and like them on Facebook!
Click here to see more photos!
Vendors at the Pup Crawl: Broken Bone Pet Products, Coco's Canine Cabana, Tupperware, Designer Desserts, Valpo Viennas, Head to Tail Dog Walking & Pet Sitting, Hungry, INC., Coalition for the Empowerment of Patriots Inc, Tommy B's, Ben's Soft Pretzels, Bounce N Around, Noaks Popcorn, Healthi Paws, Smoochie Pooch Mobile Pet Spa and Salon, Guardians of the Green Mile and Vale Park Animal Hospital.
Sponsor: RMC Property Management