'Walk for Animals 2013' is Sunday in Downtown Napa

 Downtown Napa again “goes to the dogs” for Napa Humane’s second annual Walk for Animals, a summer morning walk through Downtown Napa (with or without a pooch!) on Sunday, Aug. 4 in support of companion animals throughout the Napa Valley.

More than 400 walkers are expected to attend this morning full of family- and dog-friendly activities, live music, doggie contests, a raffle and more at Veterans Memorial Park, located on Main Street in Downtown Napa.

Animal-loving walkers register online for the event at www.napahumane/walkforanimals and create a personalized profile page, set a fundraising goal, and have the option to join or create a team. In support of their participation, walkers then collect donations from family, friends, and colleagues by distributing their profile link via email, Facebook and Twitter.

And fundraisers are encouraged to get creative in their fundraising efforts, from putting a donation jar on their desk, brown-bagging and using the savings toward their goal, to holding a rummage sale. At the Walk, teams are also encouraged to get into the spirit with creative dress and accessories for themselves and their dogs (there will be an award for the ‘Best Dog Costume’ and ‘Best Team Theme’).

Every registered walker receives an official Walk for Animals t-shirt and a goodie bag.For their fundraising efforts, there are eight levels at which walkers can earn prizes. From Napa Humane gear to an iPad, these generously-donated prizes are an incentive to raise funds, accompanying the genuine satisfaction of garnering support for Napa Humane’s lifesaving work in our community.

The Day of the Walk

At 7:30 a.m. registered walkers (and their dogs, if along for the fun) gather in Veterans Memorial Park to check-in and pick up their Walk for Animals t-shirts. Complimentary coffee and morning snacks will be served.

At 8:30 a.m. the Walk begins lead by the 2012 “Leaders of the Pack” in fundraising on a pre-designated route through Downtown Napa beginning and ending in Veterans Park.

Walkers return to a lively array of activities for pets and their people.

Also on-site will be Napa Humane’s Mobile Adoption Unit, with dogs on board from the Napa County Animal Shelter looking for their forever homes.

“We are excited for the second year of this fun Napa Humane event to help us help Napa Valley pets and their people,” says Executive Director Jane Albert. “The Walk for Animals appeals to the animal-loving community that we call home.”

According to Napa Humane President Dr. Mary Whitehill, “One of the best aspects of the Walk for Animals is that can you enjoy the event with your dog. But if you don’t have a dog (or one that would enjoy the crowd), no problem – the Walk is really for all people that love pets and want to walk in their honor, or in memory of a beloved pet to support Napa Humane.”

100 percent of proceeds from Walk for Animals benefit Napa Humane’s services and programs, serving Napa Valley pets and the people who care for and about them.

For more information about Napa Humane, including Walk for Animals, visit www.napahumane.org.

To register for the Walk, create or join a team, or to make a donation, visit napahumane/walkforanimals or call 707.255.8118 x205.