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Health & Fitness

20th DAWG Walk and Pet Faire, Best Dog Gon' Day Ever in Oso Park

The first day of summer burst out to welcome more than 900 pet lovers to the 20th DAWG Walk and Pet Faire at the Oso Community Park hosted by the City of Mission Viejo Animal Services and Dedicated Animal Welfare Group.

More than $15,000 was raised to benefit the homeless animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Service Center.    About 200 pet owners lead by their dogs strolled along a two-mile walk of Oso Trail.    They brought in hundreds of dollars in pledges.   Elpha and Russ Mandel brought in the largest amount with $1,700.

The event included vendors, raffles, pet adoptions, a professional pet and family photographer, flying Disc-Dog performances, music, mini-horses and more.

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Pet contests included the Best K9 Kisser Contest, the Owner/Dog Look-Alike Contest and the Best K9 Trickster contest.   The winners of the look alike contest went to Baby Paige and her Yorkie, Lola dressed with pink bows in their hair.

According to Sharon Cody, President, DAWG, there were 14 animal rescue groups at the event.  A variety of dog breeds participated: Pekingese, Greyhounds, St. Bernard’s, German Shepherds, Boston terriers, Bulldogs and Guide Dogs for the Blind.   Several of them found great homes for the dogs and they received applications for other dogs.  

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There was something for everyone.   Even the Mission Viejo Friends of the Library was there.  Sponsors as well as and nonprofit groups gave out goodie bags, dog treats, bowls, toys and more.   Some of the generous sponsors were Kahoots, Koda Pet Foods, Inc., Pet Supply Warehouse, Just Food For Dogs and Paaawz Pet Sitting, just to mention a few.

Don’t forget there are many opportunities to volunteer at local shelters which can include adoption fairs, educational outreach programs, fundraisers, fostering animals until a "forever" home can be found, hands-on interaction with the animals, helping with the day-to-day work and walking the animals.

It is a great way to spend time with your family while helping with a worthy cause.  Shelters in our area are also in need of supplies and donations which help provide for the care and medical needs of the animals. 

Here are some ways to find out how you can help- www.thepetrescuecenter.org, www.paaawz.com, www.DAWG.org, www.PSWcares.com or call 949-470-3045.

 

 

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