Eleven-year-old Jake Roberts walked with his dog Rico, among the mire of tongue-waging mutts.
This was his sixth consecutive year doing the walk and he also raised pledges, bringing in more than his goal of $2,000.
“I went to over 450 houses and my total was $2,651.50,” Jake said.
“This is my record this year.”
The total of funds raised is not yet known but Leann Roberts, assistant manager at the SPCA says that on average they raise $10,000 to $12,000 and this year they are hoping to top that number.
All the money goes to pay for veterinary bills as well as to investigate cases of animal cruelty, Roberts said.
Medical costs are significant, Lehner said, costing between $50,000 and $60,000 per year.
Every year the shelter sees 1,000 to 12,000 animals pad through its doors, most of which need some sort of medical treatment before they can be adopted out.
Medical costs have been increasing, Lehner said, due to a greater degree of care being required as well as to increased veterinary costs.
“I went to over 450 houses and my total was $2,651.50,” Jake Roberts said. -
“(It is) due to injury and illness, from irresponsible pet ownership (as well as) a lack of spay and neutering.”
Walkers and hounds attended the Back Alley BBQ at the end of the trail for food and a variety of games. Prizes, provided by sponsors, were handed to all participants, with special prizes given to the winners of the after-lunch games.
