Each year Michigan Humane Society holds a signature walk-a-thon through the streets of downtown Detroit to raise funds that will help find homes for dogs in need. This goes toward financing support for more than 100,000 animals each year. [1,2,3]
The organization describes this as the largest walk on behalf of animals in Michigan. This march also helps raise awareness about cruelty and neglect.
I arrived for this event on Sunday thinking there would be a big crowd of walkers and their dogs. But nothing prepared me for this event!
Literally thousands of people and their four-legged friends were braving a chilly breeze off the Detroit River, anxiously waiting for the walk to begin. My team was about twelve, from local pet supply shops. We started off together on the two-mile circuit, but it wasn’t long before we got separated among the masses.
In our defense, my family wasn’t exactly in the fast lane. Our eleven-year-old Samoyed “Timber” — who many in Saline know from our regular service dog visits — was part of the effort. But age and need to “stop and smell the roses” (along with watering a few) didn’t make for speed. No matter. It turns out we were in good company, as many pet parents and dogs alike seemed to prefer a leisurely stroll.
We all thought that was delightful.
This pacing also gave me an opportunity to hear the many stories people had to tell. Dogs rescued. Pets found and fostered. Although I’d never met these people before, we were kindred spirits.
We’re fighting for a common cause, and here it has a face. It happens to be a face with a wet nose.
Generous as I’ve seen people be in their giving (despite the economy), the Michigan Humane Society wisely created a physical community that day on the streets and sidewalks of Detroit — so we could see and feel the value of our investements.
It was also an opportunity to reach and preach to the unconverted as well.
There’s never been a better time to be a pet parent. If you’re not already one of us, stop by your local rescue shelter today to meet and consider making a new member of your family though an animal adoption. From years of experience I can tell you that you’ll come away with more than you can.
Follow my ongoing work on behalf of canines @dogsbyjanet on Twitter. [4]
References
- Michigan Humane Society (home page).
- “Reports” Michigan Humane Society.
- “2008 MHS Report to the Community” Michigan
- “dogsbyjanet” Twitter.
