People and their pooches join first Marble Falls Walk-a-Dog-a-Thon to help Highland Lakes SPCA
JARED FIELDS • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — Area dogs will get their day March 2 during the first Marble Falls Walk-a-Dog-a-Thon, which benefits the Highland Lakes SPCA.
Event organizer Shannon Heep said she believes in what the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does in the community, and the Walk-a-Dog-a-Thon is a way to give back.“I really think it’s important for the community to come together, show support and do things together,” Heep said.
The event starts with registration at 9:30 a.m. in Johnson Park, 230 Ave. J South. Before the walk, vendors and doggie contests begin at 10 a.m.
Contests like “Best Dressed,” “Best Kisser” and “Looks Most Like Their Owner” will be awarded, and human honors such as “First to Finish,” “Most Spirited Team,” Best Fundraising Team” and “Best Fundraising Individual” will be presented.
Registration is $20 for adults and $15 for children.
The 2.5-mile walk will have water stops along the trail, and Heep said plenty of shortcuts exist for those who don’t want to make the entire trek. For those who want to race the course, the official start time is 11 a.m.
The route includes sections of the city’s Hike and Bike Trail, Avenue J and Main Street.
The Highland Lakes SPCA serves Burnet, Llano, Blanco and Travis counties as a no-kill, nonprofit organization.
Money raised during the event will help fund the shelter, which operates 100 percent on donations.
Board president Jeannette Murphy said the shelter is currently saving up for a new building.
“The purpose of the new building is to be able to bring new animals in on a temporary basis during extreme weather,” Murphy said. “It’s in the design phase right now. We’re about one-third of the way to our funding goal.”
Highland Lakes SPCA will have representatives at the Walk-a-Dog-a-Thon for people who want to learn more about the organization.
For more about the Walk-a-Dog-a-Thon, go to www.wearemarblefalls.com/walkadogevent. Registration forms also are available at the RBar & Grill, 904 Third St. More information about the Highland Lakes SPCA can be found at www.highlandlakesspca.org.
jared@thepicayune.com