A familiar face to Altoona Curve fans will again be on hand at the annual Pet Walk hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society on June 6 in Hollidaysburg.
The Altoona Curve mascot \”Diesel Dawg\” will again serve as \”Grand Marshal\” for the event.
“We’re proud to announce that Diesel has agreed to lead the procession again,” said CPHS Executive Director Dave Hopkins. “He did an excellent job last year and we know he’s looking forward to meeting and socializing with all the participants this year.”
Curve management agreed to provide Diesel “on loan” to CPHS while the team plays out of town.
Walkers in this year’s event can look forward to a fun afternoon highlighted by a walk from Hollidaysburg’s Legion Park to the high school and back. The course is about one mile, round-trip.
“We’re hoping for a nice warm, sunny day to provide us with a large turnout of people and their pets,” noted Hopkins.
Corporate sponsor for this years’ walk is VIP Pet & Aquarium, 613 N. Logan Blvd., Altoona.
“We’re proud to be part of this event,” says VIP owner Bess Mitchell. “Our animal friends at the shelter all deserve to have permanent homes. We hope this will help.”
The event is organized to raise funds by walkers who solicit sponsors. Those raising more than $30 will earn a special “I took a walk with Diesel Dawg at CPHS Pet Walk” T-shirt.
All who take part will receive CPHS water bottles and bandannas for their animals regardless of donation amounts. Walkers without pets will be given tags to wear showing their participation.
Celebrity walkers representing local media will take part by escorting shelter animals on the walk.
This years’ grand prize for raising the most donations is a special personalized portrait of their pet by local artist Rachel DiAndrea.
“Rachel’s work is noted throughout the region as some of the finest animal artwork available,” said Hopkins. “She’s donating her services for this event and we can’t thank her enough.”
Second prize is a certificate good for $50 towards any veterinary bill. Third prize is a $35 gift certificate for a local bike/ski shop.
In addition to the walk, the event will feature a special pet obedience demonstration by Lois Fogle of Fogles Dog Training and Boarding of Ashville.
All the funds raised in the walk go to help the homeless animals at the shelter according to CPHS officials. To register, pick up forms at local Veterinary offices, some businesses or the CPHS shelter at 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., or call 942-5402.
The event starts at 1 p.m. with registration followed by the walk which steps off at 2 p.m.
