Dog Walk Event Garners $140,000 for Homeless Animals

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LINCROFT – More than 2,000 people and their pets were drawn to the MSPCA Dog Walk at Brookdale’s sunny Lincroft campus on Saturday. The event raised $140,000 for homeless animals in the agency’s care, according to Liz Jakubik, development and marketing director of the MCSPCA.
Many strolled the one-third mile and mile-long dog walks around campus. But there was much more to see and do, including adopting a dog and giving him or her a good home. Shelter opera- tors urged residents to stop by and take a look at all the great dogs, one a puppy shipped form Puerto Rico, that is great with other dogs and children.
Near the entrance to the event, representatives from the MSPCA held “doggie weddings” at $5 a pop to raise money for the organization.
Behind them, 150 vendors offered everything from handmade dog outfits and crystal-studded collars to cheesesteaks and hand-squeezed lemonade.
Different tents presented information about local organizations, dog training and adoption services, including “Save US Pets” Foundation out of Shrewsbury. The foundation, which was started in 2003 by the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, creates a lifeline to assist responsible pet owners in need. The assistance that the foundation provides is for families with pets who are in danger for their lives.
Different events throughout the day kept the lively crowd of animals and people entertained. Representatives from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s K9 unit gave demonstrations, a band played classic rock covers, and pet owners had the opportunity to expose their pets to some basic agility training exercises.
This was the first year that the Dog Walk was held in the spring and the turnout suggested that it was a good change from its usual autumn date. The Dog Walk is one of the MSPCA’s largest fundraising events. The proceeds go towards funding the MSPCA’s adoption centers and spay/neuter clinics across Monmouth County along with providing community education about responsible pet ownership.
Jerry Rosenthal, president of the organization, said the Dog Walk “is really to promote the programs and services we provide to Monmouth County.”
– By John Krajewski. Photos by Colette Tompkins