Nola Mae was adopted from a shelter in October 2011.
Contributed photo by Sarah ReevesOn Sunday, Chattanooga’s Humane Educational Society (HES) will host its 11th annual “Paws in the Park” fundraiser. The money raised will support the Society’s “Getting to Zero” campaign to end the practice of euthanasia for treatable, adoptable and trainable animals in Hamilton County.
The dog walk is set for 2 p.m. tomorrow at Baylor School, with registration opening at 1 p.m.
Walkers who have raised $100 in pledges pay no registration fees. Others will be charged $15 to walk without a dog, $25 to walk with a dog and $40 for a family. You can also rent a shelter dog for the day for $50, which provides a great opportunity to spend some quality time with a dog in need of a forever home to see if the pooch is a good fit for your family.
There are also contests for smallest and largest dog, best costume, fastest eater, most passionate kisser, best smile and owner/dog look-alike.
HES has become one of the most heartwarming success stories of any animal shelter in America. In 2003, the shelter had the 5th highest euthanasia rate in the United States. Today, HES consistently has among the highest adoption rates and the lowest euthanasia rates in Tennessee.