Woofin’ and hoofin’ it
Paws for the Cause 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
Sept. 20, 11 a.m.
Veterans Park
Registration by September 1: $30 for 5K, $20 for 1-mile fun run, or $35 for both.
Paws for the Cause benefits Shelby Humane Society
Take your mutt out for a strut to support his fellow, furry friends without forever homes.
In many cases, those homeless or abandoned animals can find a temporary home at the Shelby Humane Society in Columbiana. The shelter takes in about 5,000 dogs and cats every year. Right now, it houses about 400 animals, and it never has fewer than 200 animals at a time.
The goal of the shelter is to find safe and loving homes for all the animals, but getting them ready for adoption takes a lot of support. The shelter needs funding for vaccines, deworming medicine, treatments for special medical needs for particular animals and spay/neuter surgeries.
This year the sixth annual Paws for the Cause 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, which is the fourth one hosted by the Animal League of Birmingham, will be Sept. 20 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. All proceeds will benefit the Shelby Humane Society.
“I love the shelter, and I just want to help all I can,” said Donna McFeeters, director of the Animal League. “They have a lot of animals in this area. ”
Funding from the race makes a huge difference in keeping the animals healthy and promoting adoptions, Humane Society Executive Director Sara Shirley said. With this funding, the Humane Society is able to hold special adoption events like “Seniors for Seniors” or military adoptions with waived or reduced fees.
“It’s huge. Everything we do is based on support and financial support,” Shirley said. “With Animal League handling this event every year and donating those funds to us, it allows us to do more. We see an increase and we can do a little more.”
Dogs from the shelter will be at the event as well, and if racers want a furry companion to walk or run with, Shirley said volunteers can pick a dog to foster for the event. She said the opportunity gives the dogs an opportunity to socialize while wearing vests that label them available for adoption. Two dogs were adopted at the race last year.
“The more volunteers we have for that event, the more animals we can save,” Shirley said. “It would be huge if we could have 50 dogs there.”
Both the 5K and 1-mile race are pet friendly, with medals and winner baskets for overall finisher, top-dog finishers in both races, top female and top male racers.
Free food and beverages will be available for all racers, and many vendors will also be selling concessions. Pet-friendly vendors will offer items such as homemade dog treats, hand-designed collars and pet portraits.
Race director Inga Clum said this race course is one that everyone can participate in, and a lot of people attend just to get out with their dogs.
“You have people who run it and who are serious, and you have walkers and the families all together,” Clum said. “We did have strollers last time. Everyone is welcome.”
To volunteer or for more information about the Shelby Humane Society, visit shelbyhumane.org or call 669-3916. To register for the race or for more information, visit theanimalleagueofbirmingham.com.
Shelter Programs
Quick Fix low-cost spay/neuter program:
The low-cost spay/neuter transport program provides affordable spay and neuter surgeries and transportation to all area residents. This program also funds surgeries for low-income residents who provide proof of governmental income assistance.
Shelter Partners:
Shelter Partners is a volunteer transport program that provides a second chance for thousands of homeless dogs in the Shelby County area. It transports pets from Shelby Humane Society to shelters in New England where the number of homeless dogs is nearly nonexistent. In almost every case, the dogs and puppies chosen to participate in this program are adopted within a few days of arriving at these shelters.
Low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics:
Shelby Humane Society offers low-cost clinics during the fall and spring throughout Shelby County to make vaccinations and microchipping easy and affordable for all pet owners.