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Paws for a Cause: Avery Humane Society 5K and Doggie Walk Now Set for September

The Avery County Humane Society‘s 2015 “Paws for a Cause” fundraiser is giving shelter dogs a reason to wag their tails. Originally scheduled in June, this event will take place sometime in September.

“Last year’s event was so much fun for people and their pets and highly successful that I am excited to be part of this great fundraising event for the second year,” volunteer Joe Magid said. “We hope to make it an annual event.”

Paws for a Cause will give participants the option to raise funds in several different ways.new-sumane-society-sign

Participants can pay a registration fee to run in the Paws for a Cause 5K with our without their dogs. They can also get sponsorships to walk with their friends and pets in the Doggie Fun Walk.

Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers, as well as the top female and male finishers in the 5K.

Runners can stick around for the Doggie Fun Walk. All well-behaved dogs are welcome. Please use your discretion to decide if your dog plays well with others. All dogs must be on a leash at all times. All participants must be 18 years of age or have the signature of a parent or guardian.

“If you don’t have a dog but want to walk one in the fun walk, one can be provided,” Shelter Manager Charlene Calhoun said.

All funds raised will support local animals, the shelter and its programs.

“Because the Humane Society receives no government or local county funding or national financial support, we are constantly looking for new sources of revenue,” Director Bruce Malfatone said. “Private donations, special events and adoption fees cover more than 90 percent of the cost of caring for the hundreds of animals who come to us each year.”

The ACHS is the only facility in Avery County that takes in animals in need.  In 2014, the ACHS helped place more than 800 dogs, cats and other animals in loving homes all across the High Country.  In addition to adoptions, the ACHS has programs including low cost shot clinics, low cost spay and neuter services, the ‘Leash on Life’ program, reuniting lost and found pets with their families and community outreach and education programs.

Runners and walkers can sign up online now. When you register, you will have the opportunity to set up your own fundraising page.  Please invite your friends and family to join you on raising money for the cause. You can also pick up a registration and fundraising form at the Avery Humane Society. Runners that sign up in advance will receive a free Paws for a Cause T-shirt. Walkers that raise more than $25 can return the form along with the funds collected to the shelter in advance and receive a free T-shirt!  We will gladly accept any funds received after a certain date, but you will not be guaranteed a shirt. For updates, follow us online or on Facebook. Contact the shelter by email at pawsforacauseavery@gmail.com with questions.