You're invited to the 3rd annual YHS Walk for the Animals

Prescott hosts many marvelous events each year, many steeped in history and tradition. Imagine participating in the early days of our rodeo, or the first years of our Christmas Courthouse Lighting or the 4th of July parade. Roman philosopher Cicero tells us that "history is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity."

The Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) invites you to participate in history in the making. You, your friends, neighbors, kids, co-workers, and anyone else who loves a howlin' good time are invited to participate in our third annual Walk for the Animals on the morning of Saturday, April 26, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This year's walk is presented by Renewal by Andersen.

There will be two courses, a 5k and a 1-mile, to accommodate all ages, leg heights, and energy levels. You can run, walk or jog at your own pace. The walk is not timed so you can even enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Registration couldn't be simpler. Click here to register now. You can register online as a Walker, Youth Walker (11-17), or, for the folks who love animals but not exercise, as a Lazy Dog Walker. Registration is only $35 ($20 for Youth Walkers). Children 10 and under are free. Registrants receive a free T-shirt and a "doggie bag" full of goodies. You can register for the new Magic 99.1 Strut Your Mutt contest for just $5.

All walkers get their own fundraising page that they can personalize with photos, videos and text and then email to their friends and family. Many of our walkers are pleasantly surprised by how positive the response is from their friends and family all over the country.

Charity walks are always more fun with a group, so we're encouraging people to create or join a "pack" with friends, family, or co-workers. Prescott Valley Pet Clinic created a pack and is challenging the other local veterinary practices in a Vet Challenge to see who can raise the most cash for YHS. Prescott Animal Hospital won last year's Vet Challenge.

Alarm Connection, Whiskers Barkery, National Bank, Foothills Bank, Pierce Property Management, North Central University, Prescott Woman magazine, and Olsen's Grain are just some of the local businesses whose employees are joining the fun to help save lives by forming teams. We can't wait to see if any teams dress in a theme on the day of the walk!

Dogs are welcome to walk with their owners as long as they are currently licensed, vaccinated, and on a leash no more than six feet in length in keeping with Prescott's leash law (no retractable leashes). Walk officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so the event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.

All proceeds from the event will go to helping the animals at the Yavapai Humane Society. YHS is the largest animal shelter in northern Arizona, rescuing more than 3,000 lost, homeless, abused and neglected pets every year. YHS provides many life-saving services and programs, which have resulted in YHS ranking as the safest animal shelter in the United States by the nation's leading animal shelter watchdog Animal People. YHS's "live release rate" is the highest in Arizona and among the highest in the nation at 97 percent.

Visit www.yavapaihumane.org/walk to sign up or to find out more about this soon to be historic and fun community event.