by Dennis Dalman
Organizers hope to raise at least $55,000 at the 31st annual Tri-County Humane Society Companion Walk set for the morning of Saturday, Sept. 7, at Wilson Park in east St. Cloud.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. with fun and games in the park followed by the walks at 10 a.m.
The TCHS will use funds raised to take care of animals in its care and to help pay for a planned facilities expansion at its current shelter site. The TCHS serves all the cities in the greater St. Cloud area as well as other cities in Central Minnesota.
This year’s fundraiser is dubbed “Bark to the Future,” a nod to the 1980s movie “Back to the Future.” Many of the participating people and their pets will be gussied up in 1980s-style outfits made popular by the movie.
There will be two walks – a 1K and a 5K. Walkers are accepting pledges ahead of time for their efforts. Before the walks, there will be exhibitor booths featured pet-related products and services, games for pets and people, a pet-costume contest and one for people, face-painting, a dog-kissing booth and many prize-giveaways.
There are many ways to become involved and to help raise funds. To find out how, go to the TCHS website at tricountyhumanesociety.org. Click on the box that says “Companion Walk” and/or the one that says “Donate.”
In 2018, the TCHS adopted out 3,123 animals, placed 1,204 animals in foster care, spayed/neutered 2,020 animals and hosted many spay/neuter clinics. The shelter has a 96 percent adoption rate, which is considered remarkable for pet shelters.
Last year, people with their pets registered for the 30th annual Tri-County Humane Society Companion Walk. This year’s event will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Wilson Park in east St. Cloud.
