'Walk for the Animals' is a great way to give back



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There's only 3 weeks left until Yavapai Humane Society's second annual Walk for the Animals and I'm sure you've been anxiously awaiting an update. As of yesterday, more than 285 people have registered to walk and these folks have raised more than $19,000! This year our goal is 500 walkers and $40,000, so we are well within reach, especially with three weeks to go.
The Walk for the Animals will take place 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 road is completely paved so child strollers, dog strollers and wheelchairs can roll easily. 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 $25 ($20 for Youth Walkers). 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, including a half-day of doggy day care from Hassayampa Canine Resort and Spa.

Every walker gets a personal fundraising page that they can personalize with photos, videos and text and then email to their contacts. Many walkers have been surprised by the outpouring of support from their friends and families.

Jinger Cutting, a local realtor with Windermere Real Estate, is currently the top fundraising walker. "I was invited by someone in the office to contribute but the email also said we could walk. I sent it out on Facebook and email and was overwhelmed by the response," Cutter said.

This year's Walk also has the addition of Fundraising Prizes. There are smaller prizes like a water bottle or dog bandana all the way up to the ThousHOUND Club, for walkers who raise more than $1,000. The most popular prize by far is the opportunity to name a YHS dog or cat and many people have made raising $100 their goal for this very reason!

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 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.