Prescott hosts many marvelous events each year; many are steeped in history and tradition. Imagine what it would have been like to have participated in the first rodeo, the first Christmas lighting, the first 4th of July parade. 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) is inviting 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 first-ever Walk for the Animals on the morning of Saturday, April 21, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
There will be two courses, a 5k and a 1k, 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. Visit http://www.yavapaihumane.org/ and click on Walk for the Animals. You can register online as a Walker, Youth Walker (11-17), or, for the folks who love animals but not exercise, a Lazy Dog. Registration is only $15 ($12 for Youth Walkers) before April 1. Children 10 and under are free. Registrants receive a free T-shirt and a "doggie bag" full of goodies. If you register after April 1, you pay $20, and if you register on the day of the event, we can't guarantee a T-shirt or "doggie bag." So why wait?
Every walker gets a personal fundraising page that they can personalize with photos, videos, and text and then email to their contacts. Many of our walkers have been shocked at how positive the response has been 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 Dog Pack with friends, family, or co-workers. Prescott Animal Hospital created a pack and is challenging the other local veterinary hospitals in a Vet Challenge to see who can raise the most cash for YHS and have bragging rights for 2012. Whisker's Barkery agreed to donate an additional $10 to every walker who joins their team up to $1,000! The YHS volunteers are getting in the act too with their team, the Pawsitively Purrfect YHS Volunteers. We can't wait to see if any of the teams dress in a theme on the day of the walk!
Dogs are welcome to walk with their owners. Dogs must be currently licensed, vaccinated, and on a leash no more than 6 feet in length in keeping with Prescott's leash law. 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 4,000 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 Arizona by the nation's leading animal shelter watchdog. YHS' "live release rate" is the highest in Arizona and among the highest in the nation: 96 percent.
Sign up today at http://www.yavapaihumane.org/ or to find more information on this soon-to-become historic and fun community event.
Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.
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