An Animal Health Foundation Event
The Animal Health Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping pets and wildlife in need, is hosting its first ever “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” fundraiser on March 30th at Irvine Regional Park. The registration fee of $25 per person will go towards the AHF’s programs which provide financial assistance for veterinary care, disaster relief, and wildlife in need. Funding will also go towards the Caring Creatures pet therapy programs and scholarships.
Come celebrate healthfulness and mindfulness by walking 3 paved courses between 1 and 2 miles long through Irvine Regional Park’s gorgeous oak trees and shady sycamore groves. Bring your canine companions to wind through pathways with views of dry riverbeds and distant hills. Immortalize your dog’s goofy grin at the Dogma Pet Portraits booth and watch while Disc Dogs demonstrate their expert frisbee skills.
The name of the event was inspired by a book written by Phil Zeltzman and Rebecca Johnson, promoting humans and dogs exercising together. Zeltzman and Johnson described dogs as ideal exercise partners as they are supportive, enthusiastic, and nonjudgmental. Vendors will provide educational information about pet insurance, veterinary care, training, daycare and more.
250,000 deaths are associated annually with physical inactivity. “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” is just one small facet of AHF’s mission to help educate people and their pets about the importance of getting outdoors for a brisk walk every now and then. Come support one of AHF’s main goals: to encourage the bond between human and animal while supporting the health and wellness of both.
Sponsors include Frontline Plus, VCA All Care and VPI Pet Insurance. Vendors include Dogma Pet Portraits, Trupanion Pet Insurance, Pawsitively Petacular Productions, KODA Pet Foods, Furly.com, and veterinary specialty booths with information for dog owners. Wags and Wiggles will provide agility demos and Disc Dogs will offer Frisbee demos. Goody bags and free raffle tickets for registrants and a silent auction will also be available.
Participating dogs must be at least 4 months old, fully vaccinated, wearing identification, be licensed and on leashes not exceeding 6 feet. NO Flexi (extendable) leashes allowed. Dogs in heat will not be allowed. Participants with aggressive dogs may be asked to leave. Pet waste bags and trash cans will be located along the course. No bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or skates allowed. Strollers are permitted. $5 Irvine Regional Park Parking Fee.
For more information about AHF go to www.animalhealthfoundation.net.
For registration information and walk information go to www.ahfwalk.org.