Helping animals in need

The Georgia Heartland Humane Society (GHHS) will hold their third annual 5K Doggie Dash tomorrow in Peachtree City.

Registration for the event begins at 10 a.m. at Shakerag Knoll, next to the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater and the recently opened Dog Park. The Dog Park was built on land set aside by the city for that purpose and was built with funds raised by a group of grassroots volunteers. For information on the Peachtree City Dog Park visit www.ptcdogpark.com.

The walk will take place over 3.1 miles of the city’s shaded bike paths beginning at 11:30 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. “We’re sure it is going to be even bigger and better this year,” affirmed GHHS president Sherry Mustic, “We’re expecting about 250 participants.” 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.

For those who don’t have a dog of their own to walk, GHHS will have loving dogs on hand that participants can “rent” for the 5K.

Those interested in helping Georgia Heartland can raise money as an individual or take charge as a team captain and organize a group of friends, family members, or coworkers to gather donations. Whether you run, walk or collect donations for the 5K Dash, everyone is a winner at the finish line. “Doggie” door prizes will be given away at the end of the walk.

This event is an opportunity to meet some like minded people who also love and enjoy their canine companions and perhaps to make new friends for you and your pooch. There will also be a costume contest with a prize awarded for the best costume.

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. “I wish there didn’t have to be organizations like Georgia Heartland. If people would spay and neuter their pets we could prevent the problem of overpopulation,” said Mustic. “We have a wonderful group of volunteers who work tirelessly. Without them there would be so many animals that we couldn’t help.”

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 heartworm preventative, spay and neuter procedures, and other necessary veterinary expenses.

To find out more information about the event including event guidelines and to register, visit www.gaheartland.com or call 770-830-2820.

Georgia Heartland is always looking for foster homes. “We provide everything you need to take care of your foster pet, you provide the love.”

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.

What: 5K Walk to benefit abandoned, abused, injured and neglected animals.
Where: Shakerag Knoll, 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City
When: Nov. 19 Registration: 10 a.m. Walk: 11:30 a.m.
For More Info: visit www.gaheartland.com or call GHHS 770-830-2820, Barbara Grosse 770-502-8793, or Kim Burgess 678-410-3606.

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