Community Corner

Claws & Paws Walk Will Benefit Homeless Animals

Dogs will walk two miles with their owners during the annual event, which will be followed by the Pet Care Fair and an Animal Adoption program at Clawson's City Park.

Hundreds of dogs will flood City Park on Saturday for the sixth annual for Homeless Animals.

The event, which kicks off at 10 a.m., will raise money to support the Clawson Chamber of Commerce and Troy-based Guardians for Animals, a organization that helps no-kill rescue groups save abused, abandoned and neglected animals. 

Event organizers say dog owners from throughout Metro Detroit, Flint, Port Huron and Ann Arbor bring their pets every year. The event begins with a dog walk or jog on a two-mile path that starts on the north end of City Park, runs through nearby neighborhoods and ends back at the park. The community is welcome to come out and cheer the dogs along the path.

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“I see it as being a wonderful bonding opportunity for the community," said Alexandria Whitney, president of Guardians for Animals and an organizer of the event.

After the walk, there will be a Pet Care Fair and an Animal Adoption program at City Park. Several rescue groups are expected to bring animals for people to adopt. The Pet Care Fair includes vendors who offer services such as pet grooming, doggy massages, pet supplies, animal crafts and vaccinations. There will also be games, raffles and a treibball — a new competitive sport in which dogs drive a ball into a goal.

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"It's going to be fantastic for people to learn how to get the energy out of their pets," Whitney said. "It oughta be a really fun day."

Clawson City Councilwoman , an event organizer, said Claws & Paws has grown since it started in 2005. Last year, it attracted about 300 participants. Phillips said on Thursday that about 100 people have signed up for Saturday's walk, but she expects that number to double, or even triple, the day of.

"People just tend to gravitate toward animals," Phillips said.

The annual event has sponsorship from many local businesses and organizations, Phillips said. Two of the biggest sponsors are Petco Foundation and Pro Plan Rally to Rescue.

Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. and the fee is $25, which includes a T-shirt. For more information, visit clawsonclawspaws.com or call 248-217-3397 or 248-435-6500. 


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