BRATTLEBORO — The Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) will host the 13th Annual Walk for Animals on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Organizers note that, for the first time, this year's event will take place at the Crowell Lot on Western Avenue.
Registration starts at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 and heading down Green Street to Elliot Street to Main Street and up High Street and back to the Crowell Lot.
Prizes will be awarded around 11, once walkers have returned to the park.
Annie Guion, WCHS executive director, said in a press release that she was very excited about the venue change.
“Our walkers will enjoy an actual loop through downtown, and there is more parking, all of which is free and that just makes it easier for people to come out and support the walk,” Guion said.
The Walk for Animals raises money that goes directly to care for the animals at the facility. The number of animals coming into the shelter is up this year by 25 percent, according to Guion.
She said some of that increase is due to more owners surrendering their pets - 213 this year to date compared to 122 last year to date - and some is a result of the organization's transport program:
The WCHS has been taking in dogs from high-kill shelters for four years, but 2013 marks the first year that the organization has taken in cats from high-kill shelters, a new trend in New England.
Shelters around the United States are typically full of felines and many healthy adoptable cats are euthanized due to a lack of space. Humane organizations in Vermont have more manageable populations for portions of the year and are now beginning to rescue cats from other areas of the country.
For example, Guion said, the WCHS took in 20 kittens from Philadelphia on August 22. One week later, 18 kittens had already found new homes.
“We are very happy to be in a position to help other organizations” said WCHS Animal Care Manager Keri Roberts. “And it's very gratifying to know we are saving the lives of adoptable animals.”
At the same time, the WCHS is working hard to help local animals by taking in strays as well as animals that owners can no longer keep for a variety of reasons from finances to housing issues. The nonprofit also offers services that help people keep their pets.
Pet owners with low incomes who are residents of Windham County can apply to the Pet Care Assistance Program and get preventative care such as parasite control and core vaccines at low or no cost depending on level of need.
That program is just a year old and has 202 participants who own three pets and make just over $900 a month, on average, Roberts said.
“This program has really shown us how great the need is in our community,” added Guion. “These people love their animals, but they can't always afford proper care. I can't imagine trying to re-home these pets – they already have loving homes; they just need a little support. And we need the support of the community to be able to keep the Pet Care Assistance Program going.”
Local businesses help
Local businesses have stepped up to the plate as well by sponsoring the Walk for Animals, providing prizes for walkers who raise the most money, including a $250 gift certificate from Achille Agway.
C&S Wholesale Grocers donated supplies, including the ice cream cones and dog treats that will be handed out to walkers and their dogs.