Dogs and their owners head out on the SPCA’s ‘Paws for a Cause’ walk in Cottonwood Park

Prince George, BC – It was a furr-tastic turn-out to the 2012 Paws for a Cause walk at Cottonwood Island Park – everybody and their dog was there…

The walk is the SPCA’s major fundraiser of the year and North Cariboo Branch Assistant Manager, Sarah Thompson, was thrilled with the turn-out.

She said organizers really tried to make it into a day-long event at the park, "We really want people to celebrate the SPCA – celebrate what we do and the difference that we’re making."

The local branch’s goal was to raise $30-thousand dollars. 

Thompson said a quick check online in the morning showed $11-thousand had been pledged there.  A long line up continued at the registration table at the park right up until the walk started, with people dropping off their donations.  And Thompson says a number of corporate teams will have their totals matched by their employer.

"(Meeting the goal) looks promising," she said, "But, if nothing else, if everybody has fun and we raise awareness for what the SPCA stands for and what we’re trying to achieve in the province for animals, then we’re succeeding."

Rook and owner, Michelle Makelke, (at left) were wowing those in the park with perhaps a little less discipline. 

The duo ran through an agility course set up by Top Dog Agility with Rook weaving, going through tunnels, and over jumps at top speed. 

250News spoke with many long-time supporters of the walk…

"We’re here every year," said Cindy Masch, who, along with Denis Pelletier, brought Hudson down for the chance to mingle with others. 

The couple have three other dogs at home, but wanted to give the two-year-old St. Bernard/Bernese cross a chance to interact without his ‘siblings’ whipping up his excitement level.

Brenda Leatham is another big supporter of the SPCA.

Leatham’s dog, Zoe, attracted a lot of attention for her size and striking looks.

The four-year-old Great Dane is timid, by nature, so Leatham says it’s great to bring her down to the walk to socialize with other dogs and ‘dog people’.

As evidenced in the photo, Zoe is quite comfortable with her little person, one-year-old Keaton, who came along for a ride.

Many of the vendors on-site set up shop to support the local shelter, as well. 

Tracy Medley (left)  and her daughters, Faith (middle) and Keely Rommel (right), were selling printed t-shirts to support the cause.

Medley made the t-shirts up at the business she co-owns in Mackenzie. 

"We haven’t done a charity event like this before, but we’re quite excited by it, the reception has been excellent," she said. 

"All proceeds are going to the SPCA, we’re just taking back the cost of the t-shirt." 

Before leading off the walk, Prince George Mayor Shari Green told the crowd that she adopted Olive, a Lurcher, from the shelter three years ago. (click on photo for video clip)

"So our family is certainly happy customers of the SPCA and strong supporters of all the things that they do for our community." 

Olive was camping this weekend, but ‘Paddy’ came along to walk with the mayor.