Lakeshore Paws, a local non-profit that rescues dogs and finds them new homes, hosted their annual Pup Crawl fundraiser event at Central Park in Valparaiso on Saturday evening. The event serves as a fundraiser and a way to spread awareness of the organization.
They had local band, The Crawpuppies, and musician Ryan Staniszeski playing on the Porter Health Amphitheater to entertain the masses of people congregated in the park supporting Lakeshore and admiring the many dogs in attendance. Booths were set up in the pavilion that sold dog treats, dog clothing, healthcare products for dogs, and much more.
For the humans, food trucks lined the street in the park, selling anything from barbeque to cupcakes.
The event was free, but the main feature, a dog walk, was a fundraiser.
“We have a dog walk in downtown Valpo so people who brought their dogs do kind of like a parade downtown,” said Molly Judd, an organizer of the event.
“[The Pup Crawl] is really fun”, said attendee Kaylee Lindahl, “This is our third time coming, we come every year.”
Lakeshore Paws put on the event with its 107 volunteers, plus its staff. Many of the volunteers could be found refilling water stations for the dogs or showing off the dogs the non-profit has up for adoption.
Around 2,500 people, and a few hundred dogs, attended the event. The park was full of dogs socializing with other canines and humans alike.
“It’s a lot. It’s busy with all the dogs,” said attendee Jon Heins, “but it’s cool.”
If you would like to learn more about Lakeshore Paws, you can find their website at https://www.lakeshorepaws.org/.
Lakeshore Paws address: 4611 Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone:(219) 476-7297