PAWS hosts 5K fundraiser

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

It was a fine day for a walk as a pack of four-legged friends led their people around town for the annual PAWS Along the Cedar 5K on Saturday, June 1.

“We were really pleased with the turnout and heard lots of positive comments,” said PAWS Director Julie Taylor.

Gathering at Tellurian Brewing on Saturday morning, about 35 dogs brought 70 people downtown to trek a route down the Cedar River and back to support the animal shelter in one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.

“This event helps us with our veterinary expenses, which are higher in the spring with the influx of kittens,” said Taylor. “We also have had a high number of neglected and abandoned dogs, so we appreciate people registering.”

Along with Tellurian Brewing, Taylor was also thankful to the other community sponsors that contributed to the event, providing snacks, shirts, gift bags, and bandanas for the dogs to wear to commemorate the day.

Though there were a few sprinkles to contend with, it didn’t seem to bother the dogs as they trotted around with their people in tow.

PAWS has plenty of dogs and cats in need of homes. Starting in June, the shelter will be holding monthly meet-and-greets at Tellurian Brewing looking to introduce animals to potential new owners.