Animals At Risk Due to Paws Walk Fundraising Projected To Be Down

Stratham, NH – The New Hampshire SPCA relies entirely on support from the community.  Through events such as this Sunday’s Paws Walk (June 8th) the NHSPCA provides second chances and time, in addition to medical care, food and a safe warm bed, for nearly 3,000 animals every year. 

“Paws Walk quite literally saves lives by raising critically needed funds,” said Sheila Ryan, Director of Development and Marketing at the New Hampshire SPCA.  “This year we are experiencing a significant decline in fundraising and participation for the walk, which leads us to project the funds needed to care for the animals may not come.”

There is still time to register, raise funds and make a difference.  Go to www.nhspca.org to register on line or download a registration form.  Walk in registration is also welcome.   If supporters are unable to join us this year we are offering a new way to give, simply text PAWS to 41444 to make a gift by credit or debit card of any amount.

As the largest walk of its kind in New Hampshire, this usually well attended event brings people and their dogs together for one common purpose – to raise money for homeless pets.  Over 2,500 people were in attendance last year, raising thousands of dollars for the care of the animals sheltered here at the New Hampshire SPCA. 

According to Lisa Dennison, Executive Director of the New Hampshire SPCA,”The walk is an extraordinary day with a very serious purpose. The money raised by participants helps to pay for medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, rescues and so much more.  It is truly a lifesaving event.  We invite the community to come out again to raise funds, see some magnificent dogs, and possibly even fall in love with one of the adoptable dogs that will be at the walk.”  

Walkers are encouraged to walk as individuals, with or without a dog, or recruit a team of friends or colleagues.  Once registered, walkers collect pledges, both online or in person, from friends, family and co-workers to earn fantastic prizes. Walkers should pre-register at www.nhspca.org and begin raising money or register in person on June 8th. 

“Paws Walk is a fun day for everyone, but first and foremost, it is our most important fundraising event of the year.  With fundraising down this year, we need everyone to pitch in however they can.  New this year is the ability to Text A Pledge, which we hope will make a difference.   From a smartphone the user opens a new text message and sends the word PAWS to the number 41444.  They can then give any amount by credit or debit card.  It’s very cool and so easy!” said Paws Walk organizer, Kelly Lemos, Special Events & Sponsorship Coordinator for the New Hampshire SPCA

Day of Activities

Paws Walk has something for the whole family including activities for kids and dogs.  On hand throughout the day will be plenty of wonderful vendors with delicious food and wonderful items for pets and people!  Other highlights to include:

• The National Anthem Sung by local up and comer, Blaine Stevens
• A live Acoustic performance presented by Z107, Atlantic recording artist Katy Tiz
• DJ Ron Reid of Sounds Spectrum DJ’s rocking the afternoon away
• “Dogs on the Catwalk” will strut their stuff and hopefully find a home
• Exciting Shopping at our vendors and loads of activities and tasty treats will round out the day. 

Onsite registration is open at 10am on June 8th, and the walk begins at noon.  Walkers may choose either a 1.5 or 2 mile route.

About the New Hampshire SPCA:

In addition to sheltering services, the New Hampshire SPCA has an award-winning humane education department, a devoted cruelty investigation department and a myriad of behavior and training classes for owners and their pets. The New Hampshire SPCA is an open admission, unlimited stay facility and has an innovative transfer program that has given dogs from around the country a second chance at finding a forever home and helps fill a need for wonderful pets for the people here in our community.  In addition, the New Hampshire SPCA is a Four-Star Charity as rated by Guidestar.com, their highest score and indicative of an organization fulfilling its mission with transparency and sound fiscal management.  Adoption Center hours are from 11am – 4pm on Monday,Wednesday,Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday. For more information about the New Hampshire SPCA, please visit www.nhspca.org

New Hampshire SPCA Mission

The mission of the New Hampshire SPCA is to save the lives of companion animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption; to promote learning, eliminate animal cruelty and be a leader in advancing the highest standards of animal welfare.

Follow the New Hampshire SPCA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewHampshireSPCA

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