Charity walk lets every dog have his day

 

 

Participants of the Harbor Hounds Walk the Town walk started by the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Mid-Day, Wash., USA.

At the starting line, some participants are slobbering, others are scratching themselves, and still others are sticking their noses in inappropriate places. But their social faux pas are forgiven, because they have four legs, wet noses, and fur, and because they’re walking to raise money for charity.

Harbor Hounds Walk the Town is a 2-mile walk started by the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Mid-Day, Wash., USA, in 2002. This year’s walk is scheduled for 27 September.

“We wanted to set ourselves apart in the Rotary world by doing a fundraiser that was totally different,” explains Kim Owen, cochair of the annual event. “Gig Harbor didn’t have any dog walks, so this seemed like the perfect event.”

Harbor Hounds Walk the Town has grown considerably since 2002, when the event raised just under $10,000. Last year, more than 500 dogs (and their owners) participated, and close to $50,000 was brought in.

The proceeds from the event are split three ways: 50 percent goes back to the Rotary club, 25 percent goes to the Peninsula Spay/Neuter Program, and 25 percent goes to the Prison Pet Partnership Program, a nonprofit organization at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor that rescues and trains homeless animals to work as service dogs for people with disabilities.

Registration is $10 per dog ($12 the day of the event). Vendors selling refreshments for humans and pups alike, as well as services and events like agility demonstrations, doggie massages, and book signings, add to the festive atmosphere. Find more at www.harborhounds.com.

“There are so many examples of how animals enrich our lives, and we wanted to have an event that honors that and also raises money for important programs in our community,” Owen says. “It’s a great event that we’re really proud of.”