Watching the stream of dogs and people walk up the road through Forest Park made me teary eyed. Not even some rainy weather could stop over 250 people from coming out on a Saturday morning to help raise money and awareness for the animals of Bobbi and the Strays. Through the tears (happy tears!) I had to smile as dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages walked together and with their owners in harmony for a common cause. It was a beautiful sight!
We had been planning the 1st annual Walk 4 Paws for many months. Last year we had received word that the building where we house our larger dogs will soon no longer be available to us and we would eventually have to find a new shelter for the dogs we housed there. Unfortunately we were lacking the funds! Our solution? The Walk 4 Paws!
After many months of planning with many people contributing, it was amazing to see it all come together on the morning of May 2nd. The trails of Forest Park were beautiful and the walk was very peaceful. We had some of our own shelter animals come out to participate as well. After the walk, there was live entertainment, raffles, face painting, microchipping, goody bags and other give-a-ways. Also Pawsative Dog Training entertained us by hosting doggie games such as Bobbing for Biscuits!
Thanks to everyone who participated and donated to the Walk 4 Paws, we were able to raise over $30,000!!!! This is incredible and we can’t thank everyone enough! This was truly a community effort and it goes to show what wonderful things can happen when we work together. THANK YOU! This money is a huge contribution to the building fund and brings us one step closer in establishing a permenant no-kill shelter in Queens. This is Bobbi’s dream!
I’d like to give a special thanks to our sponsors: The Petco Foundation, Choice Environmental, Steve Madden, Cloudstar, TD Bank, and Dogswell. Also would like to give a special thank you to everyone who came out and volunteered on the day of the walk. A big,special thank you goes out to Carla and Ronnie for all their hard work, dedication and perserverance in making this walk happen.
We are already looking forward to the 2nd Walk 4 Paws next Spring. We hope to see you there!
Top Fundraiser Dawn Grasso (from the top fundraising Pack "Fit4Ever") and Bobbi
Volunteer Margaret Asencio and Marshall, a loveable dog up for adoption
Sponsor Spokesdog Elmo with his foster mom, volunteer Susan St John
Volunteer Linda Lefferts with Chewbacca (who was adopted from the walk!) and her own dog, Lolly
The pack crosses Woodhaven Blvd
The walkers continue through the park trails
Ronnie Niles, his puppy Paddy McGee and Park Ranger Andrew DiSalvo
