The Nate Robson / The Citizen
Don't be alarmed to see hundreds of dogs, cats, ferrets or llamas marching through the village of Skaneateles on Sunday - it's not a zoo break, they're just walking for a good cause.
Marla Connelly, a committee chairwoman for the 13th annual Finger Lakes SPCA PetFest and Walk, said the event will create an opportunity for pet owners and their furry friends to make new acquaintances while playing games and learning about their health and dietary needs.
“It's a great time to see other owners and animals,” Connelly said. “The animals and the pet owners get to meet and great each other and make new friends.”
While most people associate the walk with dogs, that is not the case with this event, Connelly said. At last year's event, Connelly said she saw ferrets, llamas, horses and cats also participating.
“That is a big misconception that people have; it's not limited just to dogs,” Connelly said. “Llamas were the leaders of the pack last year and there was a stroller filled with several ferrets there too.”
While the animals and their owners will be getting a chance to exercise as they walk though the village, they will also be raising money for the Finger Lakes SPCA.
Because the Finger Lakes SPCA is not funded by the state or a national organization, Connelly said it relies on local support to raise money for its facilities, programs and animal care. Historically the event has raised between $10,000 to $15,000 each year.
“This is really our biggest annual fundraiser,” Connelly said. “The SPCA receives no state or federal funding, so everything we get here stays here locally to help the animals.”
While the event's goal is to raise money, it's also to provide fun activities for pets and their owners, Connelly said.
Pets can also show off their speed at the grand prix jump course or test their agility at the weave polls in addition to walking.
“In the grand prix, the fastest time from start to finish will win,” Connelly said. “They will just run the jumps, there will not be any agility tests in the grand prix. People who want to though, can try the agility tests to see how their animal reacts to it and to learn how to do it. It's an opportunity to try it out and learn about it.”
The public can also meet the SPCA's law enforcement unit, which will be holding a demonstration at the event.
While officers demonstrated what was and wasn't acceptable for outdoor housing last year's event, Connelly said she did not know what was on their agenda this year.
“The kids love to go up and ask them questions,” Connelly said. “They are all volunteers and can perform arrests for animal cruelty crimes. They will be there just to share some information with the public.”
Nate Robson
253-5311 ext. 248
nathan.robson@lee.net
What: Finger Lakes SPCA's 13th annual PetFest and Walk
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17; walk starts at 12:15 p.m.
Where: Austin Park pavilion, Skaneateles
Cost: $15 donation per family or person requested; $50 donation earns a T-shirt and bandanna
Info: Call 253-5841
Marla Connelly, a committee chairwoman for the 13th annual Finger Lakes SPCA PetFest and Walk, said the event will create an opportunity for pet owners and their furry friends to make new acquaintances while playing games and learning about their health and dietary needs.
“It's a great time to see other owners and animals,” Connelly said. “The animals and the pet owners get to meet and great each other and make new friends.”
While most people associate the walk with dogs, that is not the case with this event, Connelly said. At last year's event, Connelly said she saw ferrets, llamas, horses and cats also participating.
“That is a big misconception that people have; it's not limited just to dogs,” Connelly said. “Llamas were the leaders of the pack last year and there was a stroller filled with several ferrets there too.”
While the animals and their owners will be getting a chance to exercise as they walk though the village, they will also be raising money for the Finger Lakes SPCA.
Because the Finger Lakes SPCA is not funded by the state or a national organization, Connelly said it relies on local support to raise money for its facilities, programs and animal care. Historically the event has raised between $10,000 to $15,000 each year.
“This is really our biggest annual fundraiser,” Connelly said. “The SPCA receives no state or federal funding, so everything we get here stays here locally to help the animals.”
While the event's goal is to raise money, it's also to provide fun activities for pets and their owners, Connelly said.
Pets can also show off their speed at the grand prix jump course or test their agility at the weave polls in addition to walking.
“In the grand prix, the fastest time from start to finish will win,” Connelly said. “They will just run the jumps, there will not be any agility tests in the grand prix. People who want to though, can try the agility tests to see how their animal reacts to it and to learn how to do it. It's an opportunity to try it out and learn about it.”
The public can also meet the SPCA's law enforcement unit, which will be holding a demonstration at the event.
While officers demonstrated what was and wasn't acceptable for outdoor housing last year's event, Connelly said she did not know what was on their agenda this year.
“The kids love to go up and ask them questions,” Connelly said. “They are all volunteers and can perform arrests for animal cruelty crimes. They will be there just to share some information with the public.”
Nate Robson
253-5311 ext. 248
nathan.robson@lee.net
What: Finger Lakes SPCA's 13th annual PetFest and Walk
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17; walk starts at 12:15 p.m.
Where: Austin Park pavilion, Skaneateles
Cost: $15 donation per family or person requested; $50 donation earns a T-shirt and bandanna
Info: Call 253-5841
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.