News Release

3rd Annual Walk for the Animals Supports Local Humane Society in Honor of Radar (02/02/2012)

Each year, thousands of animals arrive at The Humane Society of St. Lucie County in need of medical care. Some medical care is far more extensive than others and special funds are needed to help these needy souls.

To help support the emergency funds for the pets of St. Lucie County, families and their pets are invited to the 3rd Annual "Walk for the Animals" hosted by the Animal Hospital of West Port St. Lucie on Sunday, March 4th. The traditional 1-mile dog walk will be grand marshaled by "Radar," an abandoned 12-year old Chihuahua. He arrived at the Humane Society of St. Lucie County in 2011, hairless, blind in both eyes due to cataracts, anemic from his flea infestation, and had such poor mouth hygiene, teeth and his bottom jaw withered away.

"Radar went immediately into foster care to help him recover and is living at the shelter so staff can keep a close watch on him," said Shawn Hart, community outreach for the Humane Society of St. Lucie County. "Each year, animals come in needing emergency or more extensive medical treatment. Most common are heartworm positive dogs, dogs that have been abused or used as fighting or hunting dogs that have obtained injury," said Hart.

The event to honor pets like Radar kicks off at 9 a.m. and will continue until 1:00 p.m. at the Animal Hospital of West Port St. Lucie, 2662 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd in Port St. Lucie. The event is free to families, though a $3.00 donation is requested for each person to join the walk, which includes one free raffle ticket. The first 100 walkers will receive a free gift bag. Families can enjoy food, games, vendors, raffles, a petting zoo, and fun music from Zions Door. Enter your family pet in the best dressed or best trick contests or sit back and enjoy the festivities. All donations will benefit The Humane Society of St. Lucie County's emergency fund.

The Humane Society of St. Lucie County is an open admission animal shelter in Fort Pierce, rescuing more than 8,000 unwanted pets each year, thanks to the support of donors and volunteers. For information on the event, for volunteering opportunities or to donate, contact the shelter at (772) 461-0687 or visit www.HSSLC.org.