Main Shelter Information: 240.773.5960

Leash Out and Walking Shoes on:

It’s time for Paws in the Park,

Sunday, June 7

The Montgomery County Humane Society will hold its 11th annual Paws in thePark in June at Wheaton Regional Park, 11751 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton.

The day kicks off with check-in and registration at 12 noon on Sunday, June 7,at the park’s Old Ice Arena. NBC Channel 4 news reporter Jackie Bensen will lead the 1K,

3K, and 5K dog walk starting at 1pm.

More activities for dogs and their people are scheduled throughout the afternoon until 4pm. With fun for the entire family, Paws in the Park features pet games, dog demos, a petting place, kitty corner, face painting, a "flealess" market for pet-friendly vendors, food, music, prizes, raffles, rescue zone and more.

Registration is free. Walkers are encouraged to collect donations by walking as an individual or forming a team. To register in advance and start fundraising online, visit www.firstgiving.com/mchsmd, or download an individual registration form from the event webpage at http://www.mchumane.org/Paws09intro.shtml.

This year MCHS is partnering with Critters For the Cure, a non-profit that supports uninsured and underinsured women battling all types of women’s cancer, by providing help with wigs, prosthetics, medical bills, transportation, rent, vet bills and even dog walkers.

Proceeds from Paws in the Park benefit the homeless animals under the care of the Montgomery County Humane Society and Critters for the Cure. Walkers may specify the organization of their choice.

For more information visit www.mchumane.org.

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About the Montgomery County Humane Society:
The Montgomery County Humane Society is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that has provided animal sheltering services for Montgomery County since 1958. MCHS receives funds to operate the Montgomery County Animal Shelter under a grant from the Montgomery County Government and from private donations. As the only full-service animal shelter in the county, MCHS is open for emergencies daily around the clock, and never turns an animal away. In 2008 we handled more than 9,200 animals.  MCHS serves the animal-related needs of Montgomery County’s nearly one million residents. For more information on programs and services and how to adopt an animal into your family, visit www.mchumane.org.

Official Rules of Paws in the Park

• You may register either online in advance or on-site the day of the event starting at 12 noon.

• All dogs must have a current rabies shot and be licensed.

• All walkers are welcome, with or without a dog.

• For safety reasons, dogs are the only animals allowed to participate.

• Dress your dog in costume for the Best Dressed contest!

• All walkers must read the waiver at check-in.

• Female dogs in season are not permitted to participate.

• Dogs must be leashed (6' maximum leash length) and kept under control at all times.  No retractable leashes, please.

• Any unruly or aggressive dogs will be asked to leave.

• Participants are expected to practice responsible pet ownership.

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