Published: April 22, 2009 11:23 pm      

Walk for the Animals set in Lawrence

Louisa — On the heels of last year’s event, area animal lovers will join in Louisa on Saturday for the second annual Walk for the Animals to benefit the Lawrence County Humane Society.

“Last year was great. We had a great turnout,” said Beverly Pack, one of the event organizers. The dozens who gathered for last year’s walk seemed to enjoy each other’s company, swapping amusing animal-related stories and sharing their time together to benefit a worthy cause.

While the walk is limited to people and dogs, Pack emphasized participants aren’t required to bring a canine to make the march.

“You don’t have to have a dog in order to walk,” she said.

Pre-registration for the walk ended April 10, she said, although newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to show up and be a part of the festivities, Pack said.

“They can register that morning between 8:30 and 9:30,” she said.

The Walk for the Animals is the Lawrence County Humane Society’s major fundraising event, she explained, with walkers seeking financial pledges from friends, family, co-workers and churches . The goal, she said, is to generate “as much as possible” to help pay monthly bills at the animal shelter near Louisa.

The walk, which winds through downtown Louisa along a 1.3 mile route, will begin at Main Street Park.

“We’ll be coming up the main drag there,” Pack said, explaining the walk will take a path providing an outstanding glimpse of the small city. There will be a water stop along the way, as well as a demonstration by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office K-9, a silent auction and raffle, children’s activities including crafts and face painting, and a variety of pet contests.

“It’s going to be a great day to come out and have fun and camaraderie with other animal lovers,” Pack said.

Participants are also asked to bring any old and unwanted hand-held electronic devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, along with printer cartridges and bags of aluminum cans, to be recycled. For more information visit the Lawrence County Humane Society’s Web site at www.lawrencecountykyanimalshelter.com or call (606) 638-3140.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.