Dogs Work Out, Prep for Pasadena Humane Society’s Wiggle Waggle Walk at Thursday Boot Camp

 

Thursday morning the Pasadena Humane Society hosted the Wiggle Waggle Boot Camp, where several of the shelter’s friendly dogs stretched and exercised in preparation for this Sunday’s Wiggle Waggle Walk.

“This Sunday we are hosting our Wiggle Waggle Walk, which is a great opportunity to meet all of our friends and help do some fundraising to support the shelter,” said Elizabeth Richer Campo, Senior Vice President of Pasadena Humane Society.

Present at the boot camp were Rock, a Pit Bull, Bonnie, a Boxer mix, Isabelle, a Chihuahua, and others. All of these dogs are available for adoption, along with many others, and can be spotted at the walk wearing a green bandana wrapped around their necks.

“This is our 10th year raising money for the animals,” said Karen Kiefaber, Board of Directors and Head of the Punk Rock Rovers.

Kiefaber’s team, the Punk Rock Rovers, are leading the fundraiser at $36,446.11, but they have still to reach their goal of $65,000. “It’s a great time. 2000 people, at least 1000 dogs, and you’ll be able to meet our dogs that are up for adoption.”

“I love, love, love working with the dogs,” said Pamela Henderson, a volunteer at the Pasadena Humane Society. “There are about thirty different places for you to volunteer,” she added, “Everything from office staff to community events to walking dogs in the kennels. It’s all fantastic.”

“If you’ve never done it (Wiggle Waggle Walk), do it this year and you’ll always come back,” said Kiefaber.

The 17th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk kicks off Sunday, September 27 at 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Organizers have set a goal to raise $400,000 from the event, which will be used for food, shelter and medical care for homeless animals, nearly 12,000 of which are taken in by the PHS every year.

The Pasadena Humane Society announced it will be hosting a canine talent show during the event called ‘The Wag Factor,’ new this year, which will feature furry friends showing off their greatest skills. Owners can sign up near the stage from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Walk, and the contest will take place on the stage at 10:45 a.m. The dog with the most ‘wag-tacular’ talent will win a Sojos prize pack valued at over $150 and more!

A photo contest was also launched earlier this month on its Facebook page for Wiggle Waggle Walk participants who are being encouraged to share photos of their dogs getting ready for the walk and use the hashtag #wigglewagglewarmup for a chance to win ‘pawesome’ prizes!

“This year’s walk is sure to be a blast, and we’re excited about the fun new features we’ve added,” said Kristina Lamas, Vice President of Development for the Pasadena Humane Society. “We’re amazed at the great work our teams and fundraisers have been doing, and are honored by the great sponsors who have signed on this year, but we’re still far from our target goal and encourage those with an affinity for animals to help us spread the word,” she added.

Participants are encouraged to fundraise for the animals by registering on the Wiggle Waggle Walk website and asking family, friends and co-workers for donations. Non-walkers, and those unable to attend the event, can also donate via the website. Registration is free, and entrants who raise $75 will receive an official Wiggle Waggle Walk T-shirt.

This year’s returning MC for the walk is Andrea Evans, an animal rights activist who is known for her role of Tina Lord on the ABC soap opera, One Life to Live. She has also appeared on The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Passions.

For more information, visit www.wigglewagglewalk.org.