With the harsh weather and other factors preoccupying the minds of busy Voorhees residents this winter, it was easy to forget that the Animal Welfare Association has been working hard to plan a lot of fun events for spring.
The major upcoming event is the Paws and Feet 5K Race and Doggie Fun Day, scheduled for May 17 at Cooper River Park. This year will mark the event’s 17th anniversary.
The major sponsors for the event are the Shreiber Animal Foundation Enterprise, and J and J Snack Foods.
“It’s a collective effort … we try to do fun things for people and their pets,” Maria Clarke, the AWA events and business relations manager, said.
The cost for individual racers or walkers is a donation of at least $40. Teams of at least four to 25 people are expected to raise no less than $500.
With more than 1,000 participants last year, the AWA is hoping for even more to attend this year, all to raise money and awareness for shelter animals.
“We have challenged the community to help us raise over $100,000 this year,” Clarke said.
According to Clarke, she and other AWA staff members and volunteers are planning some “huge surprises!”
Some popular events at the race are already no secret, including a “super fetch area” and “canine Candyland.”
An area “flyball” group will be in attendance to expose dog owners to the doggie team sport. Flyball involves pooches racing, jumping over hurdles, and catching and retrieving tennis balls.
Police dogs and a high-flying disk-fetching group known as the Jersey Disk Devils will perform during the day.
Dogs of all sizes are encouraged to take part in the annual costume contest. This year’s costume theme is fairy tales, and Clarke reminds dog owners to “be creative.”
As dogs up for adoption are set to be the real stars of the Paws event, the AWA will not be the only organization showing dogs. Though no details can be given at this time, other area organizations will be in attendance, with adoptable pets in tow.
“There is a lot of work that goes into this event,” Clarke said.
Still, Clarke stressed that the event is always worth having, especially when she receives positive feedback from Voorhees community participants.
“Paws and Feet 5K Doggie Fun Day is a great time. I enjoy how family-oriented and pet friendly the event is. There are lots of fun activities and opportunities for people of all ages to engage in and have fun,” former Paws event participant Navonne Owen said. “You can walk, run or just come out and enjoy the day. I am happy to support such a great cause, and assist the Animal Welfare Association with its mission of helping pets and people.”
If Paws and Feet 5K seems too far away, the AWA is hosting a series of “Yappy Hour” events until then. The first-ever Yappy Hour is set for April 25, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at the shelter, at 509 Centennial Blvd.
It will be, “The only place where pooches can enjoy barktinis,” Clarke said.
Besides specialty drinks and treats for dogs, there will be food and brews available for adults. All adults partaking in the event must be 21 and over.
Other activities at Yappy Hour will include “doggie swimming pool stations,” and tanks where dogs will be able to bob for hot dogs.
“It’s a nice social time … we’ve been talking about it for a year now,” Clarke said.
After the first Yappy Hour, future event dates will be posted on the AWA website.
To learn more about the AWA or any activities happening with the shelter, please call 424–2288, or visit www.awanj.org.
