Dogs to show off skills in ‘Walk for the Animals’

The smell of wet dog is in the air.

The Monroe County Humane Association will be sponsoring the 14th annual Walk for the Animals this Sunday at Karst Farm Park.

The Walk, the longest and largest standing animal welfare event in Monroe and surrounding counties, will help to raise funds for the MCHA’s outreach programs and initiatives, said Sarah Hayes, CEO of the MCHA.

The event is co-sponsored by Monroe County Parks and Recreation. It will be held at the new Karst Dog Park, and emceed by Alex Starr of the B97 morning show.

Participants will be able to enjoy a variety of games and competitions with their dog, including an agility course, pedicures, two off-leash play areas and canine paparazzi, where dogs can have their pictures taken.

There will also be a canine water park, with doggie pools and plenty of things that spray water, Hayes said.

For the kids, there will be plenty of face-painting, balloon animals and even some animal ambassadors with snakes and ferrets for them to meet.

Virginia Metzger, a board member at the MCHA and top fundraiser for the event, said her favorite event is the Doggie Dash.

“I think it’s a stitch,” Metzger said. “It’s a little tiny obstacle course, and we have a stopwatch and time how long it takes dogs to get through the course.”

Along the way the dogs will be tempted with “treat traps” to throw them off course, Hayes said.

For pets that are not so athletically inclined, the walk will also feature the Doggie Fashion Show.

Owners and dogs will show off their cutest outfits and compete for prizes like treats, toys and collars made by fashion show sponsor London Dog.

“We’re going to judge on audience reaction to who’s the most fashionable dog,” London Dog owner Carole Biggs said. “But it’s not just the fashion – it’s the personality, too.”

To participate in the event, owners are asked to help by collecting donations from their family and friends. To do so, fundraisers have the option of going from door to door, or they can set up a personal walk fundraising page on the MCHA Web site.

Last year the event raised over $23,000, and Hayes said they hope to exceed that this year.

All owners wishing to join in on the fun must ensure that their dogs have all current vaccinations, not be in heat, have a leash on at all times outside designated play areas and get along well with other dogs.

While the event is mostly dog-centric, Hayes said it is important to remember that the money raised benefits all of the animals at the MCHA.

“It’s a key event for us that supports the whole organization,” she said, “so anyone who cares about animals of any type can participate.”