by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
On a perfectly beautiful morning, happy people and pets took part Sept. 9 in the 29th annual Woofstock Companion Walk in east St. Cloud, trying to raise a goal of $60,000.
The actual amount raised has not all been tallied yet, but as of Monday the preliminary amount raised was about $45,000. Last year the net amount raised was $51,450.
The Woofstock (a play on the word “Woodstock”) is one of the major fundraisers for the non-profit Tri-County Humane Society, which opened in east St. Cloud in 1974.
At this year’s Woofstock, about 500 people and 250 pets took the 5k walk.
Last year, the TCHS had a remarkable placement rate of 96 percent for the animals in their care. That included 2,875 adoptions, 1,275 animals fostered out to volunteers and 1,643 animals either spayed or neutered. The “animals fostered out” category includes those that arrive at the humane society with medical problems, socialization issues and in a pregnant state. Such animals, which amounts to almost half of those who are brought to the humane society, have to be fostered out to volunteers willing to take care of them until they are deemed adoptable. And such animals, especially those with infections or other medical conditions, account for much of the expense of the humane society.
Last year’s 96-percent-high adoption rate continued the positive trend of the past few years.
At this year’s Woofstock, people and their animals strolled the grounds of Wilson Park along the Mississippi River as they socialized before the 5k walk began at 10 a.m. In the park were many tented booths with pet-related items and services. There were also lots of fun activities: face-painting, a dog-kissing booth, a pet obstacle course, a hot-dog-eating contest, a best-costume contest, DJ music, food and refreshments. Adding to the festival-like ambience were the whimsical get-ups worn by pets and people, including lots of tie-dyed kerchiefs and other hippy-style paraphernalia one might have seen at Woodstock, the massive music-peace festival near Woodstock, New York in 1969.
A final fundraising tally for Woofstock 2017 will be published in the Newsleader as soon as it becomes available.
People who missed Woofstock but still want to contribute can do so by going to the Tri-County Humane Society’s website at tricountyhumanesociety.org.
Judy Polipnick of Sauk Centre holds “Rufferee,” a Woofstock mascot, during the Woofstock Walk fundraiser in St. Cloud’s Wilson Park. Polipnick’s Vikings pals are her granddaughters, sisters Finley (left) and Avery, both of St. Cloud.
Chris Levandowski of St. Cloud gets a smooch from Molly the Kissing Dog Sept. 9 at the 29th annual Woofstock Walk fundraiser. The event’s goal was to raise $60,000 for the Tri-County Humane Society.
The Woofstock fundraiser was a family affair for the Underwoods of Clearwater. Chris Underwood Sr., dog Roscoe and children Chris Jr. and Kyrie (in stroller) prepare to set out on a 5k walk from St. Cloud’s Wilson Park.
Lil’ buddies Caleb Weihert and Balle, his dog, prepare to join the Sept. 9 Woofstock Companion Walk at St. Cloud’s Wilson Park.
Gwen Cloutier of Big Lake strolls with her canine pals Sept. 9 at the Woofstock Walk in St. Cloud’s Wilson Park. From left to right (starting with the black lab) is Pork Chop, Penny and Daisy. All three dogs Cloutier adopted as “rescued” dogs from shelters.
Vicki Davis, long-time director of the Tri-County Humane Society, gets ready to embark on a 5k walk for the 29th annual Woofstock fundraiser in St. Cloud’s Wilson Park. The goal was to raise $60,000. The full tally of the amount raised is not available yet.
The Kellers of Sauk Rapids prepare to set out on the Woofstock 5k Walk Sept. 9 in Wilson Park. From left are Ashley Keller, pooch Edi (a 10-year-old chihuahua mix) and Ashley’s children Jackson and Mia.
About 500 people and approximately 250 dogs took part in the Tri-County Humane Society’s Woofstock Companion Walk Sept. 9 in St. Cloud’s Wilson Park. In this photo, a volunteer (left) hands out poo bags as people and pets leave the park for the 5k walk.
