------ Pets for U.S. Vets ------

SAVE THE DATE

The theme for this Dog Walk and social event is

Pets for U.S. Vets!

84 Fitness Center and the Washington Area Humane Society have teamed up to start a special fund for our local United States Veterans. All of the money made at this event will cover the adoption fees of any pets being adopted from our local shelter by qualified veterans. Let’s see how many animals we can get adopted out of the shelter!

Back in the Spring, I asked Lynn Osborn, 84 Fitness Center Manager if we could put on a dog walk to raise funds for our local shelter. She immediately offered the ball fields for the day. What started out as a Dog Walk at the ball fields has snowballed into a social event for people and their dogs. It seems to have taken on a life of its own.

Some of the events planned for the day are as follows:

(times are approximate due to expected chaos) :-)

9:30- registration and check in- $10 donation

(all entrants receive a one week FREE pass to 84 Fitness Center and a FREE Tanger Outlets coupon book voucher)

*KIDS 12 years and under and all DOGS FREE

10:30- Beginning "thank you" to all of our veterans past and present

Claysville American Legion Honor Guard presentation

Singing of the National Anthem by the Washington Festival Chorale

Pledge of Allegiance

11:00- Dog Walk around the ball fields

12:00-3:00-

Blessing of the Animals with Reverend Dr. Stuart Broberg

Vendor food for purchase

Mr. John Lege "That Guy With the Birds" www.budwings.com

OG West Penn Schutzhund Club with Staci Adams

North Strabane Fire Department on fire prevention

Photos

Several fun games for people and pets:

(i.e. Silly Agility, Milk Bone Toss & Egg on a Spoon Relay)

Introduction of the "Rental Dogs" from the WAHS

Recognition of the WAHS Alumni dogs

Chinese Auction/Silent Auction-50/50

Thank you to all of our T-Shirt Sponsors, volunteers and participants

As the Dog Walk grew into something more, I felt the stress mounting. I worried about everything turning out right and enough people showing up to make our mission a success. I was reminded of why I started this walk in the first place as I stood at the WAHS door the other day. The sign posted on the door said that they could not accept any more dogs or cats at this time. There just wasn't any room. I looked inside and saw many tired faces of dedicated people who day in and day out try to take care of the masses. It's a never ending job...I know. I used to be on the Board of Directors and I was a volunteer walker and groomer for quite a while. Our community wants it to stay a no-kill shelter, as I do. But, along with that comes a responsibility from the public. As a team, 84 Fitness Center Mgr. Lynn Osborn, myself and the WAHS will raise awareness of the plight of the shelter animal. We will introduce you to dogs that are "veterans" of the shelter. One of which I know has been there over a year...We will honor our local veterans and encourage them to adopt a dog or cat at no charge.

With your help, we can give our community a chance to be part of the solution...

Thank you, Suzi Smith

412-217-9059 dogparty84@aol.com

After the event, I'll post pictures...