Prince George, BC – Every dog loves a good walk in the park, and the North Cariboo Branch of the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hoping residents from across the region will take to Cottonwood Island Park in two weeks time for its main fundraiser of the year.

September 9th marks this year’s annual Paws for a Cause, and local Assistant Branch Manager, Sarah Thompson, says the walk will make new tracks this year. (250News file photo at right)

"In the past, it’s been about coming down, walking your dog, and leaving," says Thompson.  "And this year, we’re hoping with local musical talent along the route, K9 agility demonstrations, local food vendors, and information booths that it becomes more about being down there the whole day with other people that are passionate about animals."

The North Cariboo District of the BC SPCA covers the second largest territory in the province, after the southern interior.  Last year, the local shelter placed 2200 animals in new homes and reunited 1500 pets with their owners.  Thompson says that’s in addition to providing emergency medical care, conducting cruelty investigations and its animal advocacy work.

The goal for this year’s Paws for a Cause is to raise $30-thousand dollars.  According to the BC SCPA’s website, the top participant right now is Shari Grantham with $1420 pledged, while the top team, ‘Rolling Bones’, has raised $495.  Pledge forms are available at local vets’ offices, pet food stores, and the major sponsor, Scotiabank.  You can register online by clicking here.

Thompson is encouraging everyone to come down to the event, with registration at 10am and the walk set to start shortly after 11am, but activities set to run until 3pm.  "You know, you might meet someone and make a new walking buddy." (250News file photo, Basil and Opal and their ‘buddies’)