Paws in the Park fundraiser returns Oct. 7

photo This rescued Chihuahua was crowned queen at a past Paws in the Park fundraising event.

The Humane Educational Society's 11th annual Paws in the Park fundraiser will be Oct. 7 at Baylor School. The event is the organization's major annual fundraiser, said Ginger Taylor, the Humane Educational Society's office manager.

"Depending on the weather, the walk averages 400 participants plus their four-legged friends," Taylor said.

The proceeds will be used to help the shelter in its Getting to Zero pet placement program, as well as to provide food, shelter, training, enrichment, comfort and care for the 500 dogs that are typically housed in the shelter.

"We are rehabilitating more injured and heartworm-positive dogs to help them find forever homes," Taylor said.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. with numerous activities for pets and their owners, including contests, vendor tables and agility shows. The walk starts an hour later.

Contests include Best Costume, Most Passionate Kisser (dog and owner), Owner/Dog Look-Alike, Fastest Eater, Best Smile and Smallest and Largest Dogs. Awards will also be given to individuals and teams soliciting the most pledges.

"To celebrate all the animals who have been given a second chance, we have a large group photo for the Shelter Dog Reunion and have added the crowning of the king and queen of the Who Rescued Who contest," Taylor said.

Dog owners who compete in the Who Rescued Who contest are required to write an essay, 130 words or less, about whether they rescued the dog or the dog rescued them. The essay, along with a photo, should be emailed to hesofficemanager@com cast.net.

The cost to attend the event ranges from $15 to $100. Online registration is available at heschatt.com or by calling 624-5302.

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