Lending aid to man’s best friend

The Georgia Heartland Humane Society (GHHS) and the Peachtree City Dog Park will sponsor the fourth annual 5K Doggie Dash tomorrow in Peachtree City.

Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. at Shakerag Knoll, next to the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater and Peachtree City Dog Park, which recently celebrated its first anniversary.

The walk will take place over 3.1 miles of the city’s shaded bike paths beginning at 10 a.m. Pet lovers will be out with their canine friends to participate in the event which will benefit other animals who need a good home.

“You can make a difference in the life of an injured or abandoned animal by simply participating in Doggie Dash 2006," said Dominique Broen-Frank, president of Georgia Heartland Humane Society.

All proceeds raised during this event will benefit the many homeless, abandoned and injured animals in Fayette and Coweta counties rescued by Georgia Heartland Humane Society.

Participants may choose to walk as an individual or ask fellow animal lovers to form a team. All participants who raise a minimum of $35 in donations will receive a "Doggie Dash" T-shirt. The individual or team who collects the most money for the benefit will also be awarded a special prize.

Evelyn White, fund raiser chairperson of GHHS, encourages all those interested in aiding Georgia Heartland to be aggressive in their efforts to raise funds, “Be competitive, remember your efforts will help provide the medical necessities and shelter for needy animals this winter.”

This event is an opportunity to meet like-minded people who love and enjoy their canine companions and perhaps to make new friends for you and your pooch. Participants are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends to the walk, but all dogs that walk must have proof of a current rabies vaccination and must be on a leash.

There will be "goody" bags and a matching Doggie Dash scarf for all dogs that participate. “If you want to help but don't want to walk, simply collect money and come out and enjoy the cool fall weather with fellow animals lovers, enjoy refreshments, visit our exhibitors or spend some quality time with your dog at the Peachtree City Dog Park, which is located in Shakerag Park," said Ginger Kenney, president of the Peachtree City Dog Park. 

GHHS is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of abandoned, abused, injured and neglected animals. Although they do not have a shelter, they do have a network of volunteer foster-homes who care for the animals in their own homes until a permanent "loving home" can be found. Another major focus is educating the public about the growing problem of animal overpopulation and the necessity of spaying and neutering pets.

GHHS operates exclusively on donations from animal-lovers and from fundraisers like the Doggie Dash. Operating costs vary each month depending upon the number of animals cared for by GHHS, the severity of the injuries or illnesses of any animals and the number of new arrivals. These costs include basic necessities such as food and heart worm preventative, spay and neuter procedures, and other necessary veterinary expenses.

To find out more information about the event including event guidelines visit www.gaheartland.com.

Georgia Heartland is always looking for foster homes.

If you would like to do more for underprivileged animals, GHHS encourages you to give of your time and talents to the organization. Visit www.gaheartland.com and fill out a volunteer application or speak with any of the volunteers at the event.

To learn more about the Peachtree City Dog Park, visit www.ptcdogpark.com.

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