PAWS holding first Dirty Dog Jog at TWC
Board members of PAWS — Promoting Animal Welfare for Wayne County Dog Shelter — met recently for a monthly Buffalo Wild Wings Hump Day Fundraiser. The group, including Lindsay Cruise, left, Diane Gilbert, Julia Kooser, shelter director Katelyn Lehman, Kathy Crites and Sheila Fike, will host its first Dirty Dog Jog, a 5k race to raise funds for the shelter, on Nov. 5 at The Wilderness Center in Wilmot.
Promoting Animal Welfare for Wayne County Dog Shelter will host its first Dirty Dog Jog, a 5k race to raise funds for the Wayne County Dog Shelter, on Sunday, Nov. 5 at The Wilderness Center in Wilmot, starting at 11 a.m.
This timed 5k with muddy obstacles is a family- and dog-friendly race, also including an untimed 1-mile fun run, food trucks and vendors.
“This is our first year hosting the Dirty Dog Jog,” PAWS Board President Julia Kooser said. “We’re super excited to have both a dog and family event for the whole county. This is the first time we are hosting an event outside of Wooster, and we are eager to engage with our surrounding communities.
“Our hope for this year’s event is to not only raise funds for the Wayne County Dog Shelter, but also raise awareness of the work both PAWS and the shelter do.”
Funds raised will go toward assisting with a variety of medical expenses for local shelter dogs including spay/neuter surgeries, heartworm, flea/tick prevention and medical procedures.
Registration for the Dirty Dog Jog is $35 until Nov. 4 and can be found by visiting www.pawsforwcds.org/event-5197449.
The registration fee includes race entry, a swag bag and a T-shirt if you sign up at least two weeks prior to the event.
PAWS has been determined to help local dogs in need while they wait to find their forever home since it was established in 2020, and there are plenty of other events and volunteer opportunities to get involved in.
On the first Wednesday of every month from 4-9 p.m., you can dine in or order carryout at Buffalo Wild Wings in Wooster for the Hump Day Fundraiser, and 15% of your bill will be donated to PAWS when you mention the organization to your server or cashier.
While there are other events to look forward to in the upcoming year, PAWS also is looking for volunteers.
“PAWS is an all-volunteer group and is always looking for additional support,” Kooser said. “You can volunteer at our events and fundraisers that are held during the year, join a committee to help with the planning process of the events and fundraisers, or become a board member and help shape the future of our organization. To learn more, visit our website or send us an email at paws4wcdsvolunteer@gmail.com.”
Due to organizations like PAWS and community members, the Wayne County Dog Shelter is able to rescue and rehome over 700 dogs each year, Kooser said.
“We just want to thank Wayne County for their continued support of PAWS and the Wayne County Dog Shelter,” Kooser said. “They couldn’t provide the amazing care that they do without your support.”