Why do we walk?
Every year we dedicate our Walk to a special animal who represents the many that enter our shelter doors each year. This year, a very special dog, with a memorable start represents what can happen when a community of shelter staff and volunteers work together to save lives.
Often we are faced with incredibly unique circumstances. On April first, a small puppy arrived at our facility. He was a playful, rambunctious terrier mix that was full of joy and made everyone smile! His adopter took him for his donated health exam and they discovered a high pitch Grade III or IV heart murmur. The veternarian suspected a congential heart defect. Faced with this diagnosis, Rudy was returned to us.
We don't give up easilyon the animals in our care, so we made the decision to send Rudy to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. It was determined by the veterinary staff that Rudy had a heart condition that was inoperable. At only 2-months old, Rudy's chance for a full happy life looked bleak, he had already lived in two homes AND our shelter.
We decided that it was not up to us whether Rudy should live out a full, happy life with whatever time he had left. Despite his condition, we decided to place Rudy up for adoption. The home we sought had to have the financial means to support his maintenance veterinary care and medications. Neither of which we could estimate for his future, knowing his condition may only worsen with time.
We understood that Rudy could be perceived as a 'hospice' puppy. We also knew that it could be heart-wrenching for a family to take on this burden not knowing what Rudy's future held. The one thing we knew for certain was that right then, Rudy was a 'normal' playful, fun loving puppy who deserved a chance to LIVE!
Finally, on the 12th of May, Rudy found his loving, forever home in the lives of an amazing family that has served for many years as FWACC volunteers. Placing this pup we had all come to love in the arms and care of these special people comforted us as we said our goodbyes, knowing that we'd get to see him again! This wonderful family has given Rudy everything we had hope for and more. When asked if Rudy could be our represetative dog this year, Rudy's family not nly said YES, but wanted to add: "Rudy has given us more than we have given him..."
Rudy represents one of the thousands of adoptable pets we receive at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control each year. Rudy is one of the many, whose life was made possible because of hope, and because of people like you.
What's the Date?
October 11, 2015. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Registration
1:00 p.m. Walk Starts
2:00 p.m. Prizes Announced
Add to Calendar
Get a Pledge Sheet Now
Print a brochure and pledge sheet to begin gathering donations from friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives to help make a difference. Contact
Walk for Animals
Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control
jodi.hamilton@ci.ft-wayne.in.us
260-427-5508
Vendor Booths
Visit vendor booths to see a variety of pet friendly businesses and the services and products they represent. Products may be available for sale from vendors.
Paws to Remember Memorial
Honor a beloved pet by bringing a photo to place on our Paws to Remember Memorial Board under the pavilion. This is a free feature to honor those we have lost but not forgotten.
Water Stations:
Bottled water will be provided for walkers.
Bowls of water for animals are provided at the pavilion and along the route by our friends at PetSupplies Plus, our home of Kitty City.
Food:
Food will be available for purchase.
Sunday, October 11th, 11:30 a.m. at Headwaters Park West
A 1.5-mile walk to end animal cruelty and neglect through education and outreach.
Come with or without a dog. Come rain or come shine. Just come and have fun!
How to Participate:
Step 1: Everyone Registers and Everyone Collects Pledges:
Help us reach our goal of collecting $100 per person. The more you raise the better your chance will be for winning one of our Grand Prizes. Print a brochure and pledge sheet.
- $35.00 total per person. You will receive a shirt style based on the total dollar amount that you raise as an individual. If you are joining a Dog Pack, enter as an individual.
- $120 total per family from one address. All family members receive a T-shirt in this category.
Step 2: Pre-registration has been extended to September 30th!
- Pay Registration Fees ONLINE: After you complete the online form and submit, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to pay online.
- You can pay for multiple people online, and list their names in the comments section of the payment form.
- You can also mail your registration form and check addressed to Animal Care & Control or drop it off at the shelter - marked Walk For Animals, to reach us by September 26th.
Step 3: Come to the Walk on Sunday, October 11th
- Turn in any additional pledges raised during check-in between 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. under the Rothschild Pavilion at Headwaters Park West. Checks are preferred to expedite the event. Shirt sizes may be limited, so don’t come late.
Prize Categories:
Six fantastic prize packages are awarded based on dollar amounts raised.
Grand Prize Adult Grand Prize Youth (age 17 or under) Grand Prize Family
First Place Winner Second Place Winner Third Place Winner
Go For The Gold:
Ask any business for a donation of $100 or more and we will thank them for their contribution to the cause.
Dog Pack Teams: $35 minimum pledge per person
Any group of four or more people can be a Dog Pack. Organize friends, family, or a group of co-workers. Name your Pack and take on the spirit of the day, raising money to prevent animal neglect and suffering. Dog Packs will be positioned at the front of the Walk and are invited to double the fun by carrying a banner or wearing shirts or hats that promote their Pack's efforts.
- Must pre-register by September 25th as an individual to join a pack.
*Members cannot be added at the Walk. - Checks in separately upon arrival to turn in any additional pledges to receive a shirt and qualify for prize packages based on your individual effort.
- You will receive a gift bag and a group photo emailed to the pack leader.
