August 17, 2006

Humane Society expects 500 dog lovers at
this weekend’s 4th annual Walk ’N Wag

Pet look-a-like contests, fly ball and behavior training demonstrations highlight Humane Society Silicon Valley’s (HSSV) 4th Annual Walk ’N Wag Walk-A-Thon. The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to noon outside Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in Kelley Park, San Jose. Some 500 animal lovers are expected to participate in the walk-a-thon to help raise money for the shelter.

“For 77 years, Humane Society Silicon Valley has promoted value and respect for animal life by connecting people and pets,” said Christine Benninger, HSSV president. “This unique walk-a-thon allows us to highlight our vital shelter programs and celebrate the magic of the human-animal bond.” HSSV shelters nearly 20,000 homeless animals a year and offers a variety of programs and services including pet adoptions, affordable spaying/neutering, vaccinations and micro chipping, lost & found services and a fully stocked pet supply store.
Walk ’N Wag isn’t just for dog owners. All animal lovers are encouraged to walk the course in honor of their pets. The registration fee for Walk ’N Wag is $25 and includes a T-shirt, mouse pad and other tail-wagging surprises. Registered participants are encouraged to obtain pledges to walk an interactive course with their dog. Along the way, they experience engaging presentations on animal behavior, dog training, agility, and more. Other highlights include:

- Animal-related vendor court
- Professional pet photos
- Appearance by NBC11 meteorologist Craig Herrera

"We are so happy to be able to host this event,” said Vanessa Rogier, director of communications for Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. “It celebrates our mission of bringing people and animals together and it’s a great way to experience Kelley Park."

Humane Society Silicon Valley’s 4th Annual Walk ’N Wag is sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals, the Mercury News, Comerica Bank, NBC11, Max 95.7, Highland Mortgage/Realty World and Bow Wow Boot Camp. Walk ’N Wag is hosted by Happy Hollow Park and History San Jose.

People interested in registering for the Walk ’N Wag, or in making a donation, can obtain more information by visiting www.hssv.org and clicking on Walk ’N Wag, or by calling Barbara Vitcosky, manager of special events at (408) 727-3383, ext. 879.

More information about HSSV can be found at our website at www.hssv.org.