A walk for dog owners and their pets

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

By Lauren Hoffman - New York Dispatch

Putting your dog in social situations is a key factor in training, said Donna Ward, executive director of the York County SPCA.
Puppies especially benefit from being around large groups of people and other dogs.

The York County SPCA is holding its 14th annual Pet Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, offering dog owners an opportunity to give their dogs just that kind of social interaction.

This will be the first year the walk will be held at the SPCA's new facility at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, near York.

"Any event where owners can participate in activities with their pets seems to draw a good crowd," said Ward.

Last year's walk drew 120 to 150 dog owners and their pets, and raised $8,000.

The fund-raiser is particularly important this year because the SPCA’s new shelter is 17,000 square feet, triple the size of the old location off Route 30 in Thomasville. Proceeds from the event will go toward the $54,000 increase in the organization's utility expenditures.

Pledge forms available: Pre-registration isn't necessary for the walk, and pledge forms are available at local veterinary offices, Petsmart, Family Pet Center, Superpetz, Animal Medic, F’ranimals, and the SPCA. Pledge forms can also be downloaded from www.ycspca.org.

Participants will walk along a path in an open space beside the facility. Booths will be set up along that path, offering everything from pet portraits and bathing to microchipping.

Microchipping, a permanent form of identification, will be provided at a cost of $20. A tiny capsule, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the flap of skin on the back of the dog’s neck. If a dog is lost, the microchip company can easily find its location. Owners will also be able to get distemper and rabies vaccinations for their dogs for $10 each.

The event will also feature games such as "musical hula hoops" and a tennis-ball throw, and a "pet and owner look-alike contest" will be held.

The event isn't just for dog owners. Participants can walk with a pet, without a pet, alone or in teams.

Dogs get along: Brad Spellman, who owns York Pet Supply on Pauline Drive in York, said he's gone to the event twice, both times without a dog. Spellman's been in the pet business for 37 years and said he believes that the event supports a good cause.

And he said the dogs seem to get along well.

"You'd be surprised. The dogs are so overwhelmed by all of activity that most of them behave very well. They're all just excited to see so many of their own kind. They’re smarter than we give them credit for," said Spellman.

Ward recommends against taking an aggressive animal to the pet walk, just in case.

"Again, it's a great idea to bring puppies because it helps them learn to socialize with other animals and people," Ward said.

In addition to the walk, the SPCA will unveil its Memorial Walkway, which is part of its capital campaign. For $100, individuals can memorialize a loved one or a pet on a brick. The first 6 feet of the walkway are finished, and the organization will continue adding bricks until it's completed.

The SPCA's annual Pet Walk begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the organization’s new facility at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, near York. For more information on the pet walk, contact 764-6109 or go to the Web site at www.ycspca.org.

Services featured at the event will include microchipping, pet portraits, pet bathing, Happy Tails Dog Therapy, a presentation by the York County Dog Training Club and the Bella Vista Training Center, a K-9 demonstration by the Springettsbury Police Department and a special appearance by the Old Country Buffet mascot for children.