The Lakeland Humane Society (LHS) is asking residents to come see the paws and claws at their shelter, and help out some four-legged friends.
The animal shelter will be marking a significant milestone this year, and they’re hoping to make their annual Bark in the Park an event you’ll never forget.
“This year we’re celebrating 20 years serving the Lakeland area,” explained shelter manager Nicole Mbanefo.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, the fundraiser will be taking over the field at Cold Lake’s Lions Park, which is just down the street from the LHS.
The day will kick-off with registration for the walk-a-thon at 11 a.m. Participants can drop-off pledges they’ve collected, or pay a small registration fee before making their way along the Millennium Trail.
“You’re probably going to want to walk your dog anyways, so why not come and join us at the LHS and walk your dog with a bunch of people, meet some new people, and get your dog socialized?… We’ll have water stations for the people and pets along the way, and some timbits as an award at the end of the walk,” Mbanefo explained, adding people can take part between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
If you don’t have a dog to walk, Mbanefo said one of the furry friends at the shelter would be more than willing to go for a stroll.
A Fun Festival will start around noon and run until 4 p.m. The free family-friendly activities will include a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, along with games and prizes for kids.
Local groups will be making an appearance this year. The PAWsitive Dog Sports Association are planning demonstrations of what their animals can do.
David Tharle, chairperson for the association, described the event as a natural fit for their club, noting some of their members adopted their four-legged loved ones from the shelter.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for people to get out and connect if they’re considering a new dog or member of the family,” he said.
Cold Lake Fire-Rescue will be on-hand, and fire chief Jeff Fallow said Sparky will also make an appearance.
“We’re pretty supportive of any event if the manpower is available,” explained Fallow. “We know the kids love to see the fire trucks, and it’s to draw people there as well. It’s an opportunity for us to support the cause and deliver our fire safety message as well.”
Along with celebrating two decades of serving the region, showing residents what the LHS is all about is another important aspect of the day.
“We’re really trying to recruit more people to get interested in the LHS, what we do here, how important our work is, how amazing our animals are, and how it’s really worth it to support us,” Mbanefo expressed.
All of the funds raised will be going directly back to the shelter to assist with operational costs, including spays and neuters, shelter supplies, and vaccines.
Since their services are based on donations, Mbanefo stressed they wouldn’t be able to operate without the support they receive from the community.
“It really shows how much people care, especially since times are now rough and people are still giving. Everyone’s feeling the hurt, and charities especially are feeling how hard the economy is hitting it, but if people are still willing to step up, donate, and support us when they themselves aren’t in the best position, it’s just really heartwarming and amazing that people haven’t forgotten about us.”
Anyone interested in pledging can visit LHS at their website at lakelandhumanesociety.org.
