Hundreds of Pet Lovers get Their Wag on to Save Lives

How could simply taking your dog for a walk raise more than $40,000 for pets in need? When you do it with 350 other animal lovers who are all as dedicated to supporting homeless animals in need as you are. It’s called peer-to-peer fundraising and it’s exactly what the Prescott-area community did for Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) last weekend at the 4th annual Walk for the Animals.

Walkers prepare to leave the start line for the 1-mile route at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Photo courtesy of Chad Castigliano, Chronicker Photography.

On Saturday, May 16, hundreds of pet parents and friends of the animals joined together at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to enjoy a beautiful 5K and 1-mile walk with their four-legged friends. And not only did they enjoy a morning that celebrates the human-animal bond, they also raised awareness and funds for homeless pets at YHS—nearly $42,000, in fact.

Walk for the Animals participants and their four-legged friends enjoying the 5K course.

“We are blessed to live in a community that understands the importance of supporting local charitable programs. Yavapai Humane Society depends on local support to care for the thousands of pets we rescue and care for each year. Thanks to this support we are able to save 97% of the pets we rescue. So we appreciate people’s commitment to seeing these pets through,” says Ed Boks, executive director of YHS.

The Walk for the Animals is fun for pet parents, offering the 1-mile and 5K walk courses and a variety of fun activities including dog agility, a pet communicator, music and food, face painting for the kids, and many fundraising prizes.

Little Delilah Castigliano enjoys meeting YHS volunteer Nancy Scott's beautiful greyhound. Photo courtesy of Chad Castigliano, Chronicker Photography.

Judging by all the “awwwws” and laughs, it was clear that the crowd-favorite was the Magic 99.1 Strut Your Mutt contest. Dogs competed in three fun categories: best trick, best costume, and owner look-alike. The hundreds of smiling faces at the Walk for the Animals—both human and canine—were a true testament to the joy a pet brings and the love of animals this community shares.

Contestants line up for the "Owner look-alike" category of the Magic 99.1 Strut Your Mutt contest.

While it is a fun time, the event also meets a real need, explains YHS Director of Development, Bobbi Leverich. “On average it costs nearly $400 to care for each cat and dog that comes through our doors. The Walk for the Animals is an important fundraiser that helps us fill the bellies and nourish the precious lives of the more than 3,000 pets we help each year.” Since its first year, the Walk for the Animals has collectively raised nearly $160,000 for YHS. The event truly impacts the lives of homeless animals with its fun and games.

Ann Herrington of The Prescott Dog enjoys the agility course with her dog Bernie at the Walk for the Animals.

With the help of sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and participants, the Walk for the Animals proved to be a giant success once again! Businesses who are interested in sponsorship of the 2016 Walk for the Animals are encouraged to contact the YHS Director of Development at 928-445-2666 x 105. To view photos and a recap of the event, visit https://plus.google.com/photos/108461867995571920785/albums/6150695558212616961.