DOGS HAD THEIR DAY AT ANNUAL WALK & WAG-A-THON AND PET FAIR
Hundreds of dogs and their people walked for homeless animals on October 12 in Bel Air
On Saturday, October 12, hundreds of dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds led their owners to their favorite canine event of the year – the Walk & Wag-a-Thon and Pet Fair! They came to the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air to walk, wag and raise money for homeless animals at the Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC).
Generously sponsored by Animal Emergency Hospital of Bel Air, the Walk & Wag-a-Thon and Pet Fair is the largest event of its kind in Harford County and a major fundraiser for HSHC.
“The funds we raise help to pay for medical expenses, for food, and for the care and comfort of the animals while they are at the shelter,” said humane society executive director Mary Leavens. Net proceeds from the event totaled nearly $10,000 this year.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Guinness World Record attempt for “Most Dogs Wearing the Same Bandana in One Place”. Two hundred dogs and their humans filed into a fenced arena and stood in place while an official count took place and a mini helicopter flew overhead to capture aerial images for the Guinness officials. The record was set at 200 dogs, but it will be several weeks before Guinness validates the attempt.
The entertainment and activities included a pet blessing and walk; five gourmet food trucks; nearly 40 vendors; pet contests for best costume, best trick, sloppiest kisser and fastest sitter; a micro-chipping clinic; fall pet photos; and an adoption area with dogs, kittens and several rabbits.
Most importantly, it was a fun-filled day with purpose – a purpose of keeping the doors open at the Humane Society of Harford County. “We are an open admission shelter, which means we help any animal that comes in, whether that’s a dog, a cat, a rabbit or a horse,” Leavens said. “We need the support of the community to help us continue our work.”
Photos from the event can be seen on our Facebook site.