There may not have been a huge turnout, but the people and their dogs who did make it to the first annual Love of Paws Dog Walk had great weather for walking the Mud Creek trail in Chatham on Sunday.
Organized by Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue (CKAR), the event featured a dog walk for participants who donated $10 or registered with sponsors to complete the three-kilometre circuit around Mud Creek near the end of Cecile Street. Hot dogs and drinks were sold by donation, and dog apparel – coats and even costumes – were available by donation as well.
Nancy Ball, event organizer, said at the end of the day, just over $1,000 was raised for the animal rescue, which is an entirely volunteer organization rescuing dogs and cats and taking in surrenders for more than 10 years in Chatham.
A separate organization from the Chatham-Kent Animal Shelter, CKAR relies on donations to pay for vet bills, medication and food for the animals they rescue. The animals are vetted and put into foster homes until adoptive homes can be found for them.
CKAR also offers the Purple Leash Program which helps seniors who are hospitalized take care of their pets until they are home again, and women fleeing domestic violence until they are able to take their pets back.
Ball said new foster families and volunteers are always welcome. For more information, contact CKAR at 519-354-5000 or chathamkentanimalrescue@gmail.com.
