You're invited to 2nd annual YHS Walk for the Animals

Last year's Walk for the Animals
was a huge success; and this year
will be even better!  Sign up Now!

Prescott hosts many wonderful 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."

Last year more than 300 people and their dogs participated in the Yavapai Humane Society's first annual Walk for the Animals and over $27,000 was raised to help fund YHS' many life-saving programs. This year we hope to double the number of participants and raise $40,000. I want to especially invite you, your friends, neighbors, kids, co-workers, and anyone else who loves a howlin' good time to participate in our second annual Walk for the Animals on Saturday, April 20, 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.

To register, simply visit www.yavapaihumane.org/walk, where 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 $20 ($15 for Youth Walkers) before April 1. Children 10 and under are welcome to walk free with a registered walker. Registrants receive a free t-shirt and a "doggie bag" full of goodies. If you register after April 1, you pay $25. 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 pleasantly surprised 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. The employees of Yavapai Humane Society created a Pack and are challenging the YHS volunteers in a challenge to see who can raise the most cash for YHS and have bragging rights for 2013. 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 six 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 over 3,700 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 and the third safest community in the nation! YHS's "live release rate" is the highest in Arizona and among the highest in the nation at 97 percent.

Sign up today at yavapaihumane.org/walk.

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.