Lakeshore PAWS will host its first annual “Run for PAWS” event at Sunset Hill Park in Valparaiso on Sunday Aug. 14, 2011, at 4 pm, with registration beginning at 2:30 pm. The fundraising event will include a five-kilometer trail run and a two-kilometer dog walk, with awards given for race performances in various age groups, as well as fun categories, such as largest dog, smallest dog, cutest dog costume and more. Run for PAWS will also feature live entertainment and dogs to adopt.
Participants may register online by visiting lakeshorepaws.org and clicking on the NEWS tab. Cost is $20 before Aug. 10 or $25 up to event day. Registration includes a T-shirt and a doggie bandana for each pooch as well as race-day refreshments. For safety, dogs may only participate in the 2K Dog Walk. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
“We’re hoping to raise enough money to help us connect more local pets with forever homes,” said Jeanne Sommer, co-founder of Lakeshore PAWS. “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to place at least one pet per day since we were founded this spring. So far that’s more than 60 pets saved already since this spring. But we know that so many more pets need our help,” she said.
Lakeshore PAWS is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization, established to save and protect homeless dogs and cats by creating adoption opportunities, reducing the reproduction rate, improving conditions in local shelters and educating the public. For more information, visit lakeshorepaws.org or call 219-476-PAWS (7297).