The paws were parading in Tempe over the weekend as the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) held its annual extravaganza to support our four-legged friends. Bringing together pet enthusiasts, prospective adopters, and a cavalcade of canines, the 27th Walk to Save Animals transformed Tempe Beach Park into a hive of philanthropic pup activity, as reported by ABC15.
The event, which featured over 50 resource providers and the doggie dating game, aimed to facilitate an infatuation between humans and adoptable pets. Participating in their event's history, for the first time, pets could be registered for the walk itself, complete with a limited-edition bandana adorning the first 500 furry participants. According to KTAR News, this gesture acknowledges the unique bond between pets and their owners, promoting inclusion in a cause that cherishes animal welfare.
The effort to aid vulnerable animals doesn't end after they're homed, as AAWL ensures a scaffold of support is provided to new pet parents. This includes a low-cost community vet clinic and post-adoption support, ensuring newly adopted companions receive the requisite care during their first year and beyond. "Not only do the funds raised support adoptions, they also support resources we provide to the community," Kimberly Root, AAWL’s director of marketing and communications, told ABC15.
The Walk to Save Animals is the main fundraising event for the AAWL, bringing together thousands of animal lovers to engage in either a 2K or 5K walk. Proceeds from the $35 per participant registration fee go directly to providing life-saving care for animals in need. Calling it Arizona's best-attended dog walk, AAWL CEO Alessandra Navidad expressed gratitude for every step taken, "For 27 years, this event has brought together thousands of animal lovers across Arizona to support the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s mission of providing life-saving care to vulnerable animals," as per her statement obtained by KTAR News.
Beyond the walk, attendees enjoyed an array of activities, including vendor booths, food trucks, and pet adoption opportunities, contributing to a celebratory atmosphere centered on the love for pets and the drive to support them. Whether it was participating in the walk or enjoying the additional festivities, the event encapsulated the commitment to animal welfare that has been the cornerstone of AAWL since its establishment in 1971 as Arizona's largest and oldest no-kill shelter.
