Annual dog walk draws hundreds to Bentonville

Tracey Bruner of Bentonville and her dog, Godzilla, head to the start area Saturday for the Northwest Arkansas Dog Walk to benefit area animal shelters. Owners and their dogs walked a two-mile route that started at Orchards Park in Bentonville.
Tracey Bruner of Bentonville and her dog, Godzilla, head to the start area Saturday for the Northwest Arkansas Dog Walk to benefit area animal shelters. Owners and their dogs walked a two-mile route that started at Orchards Park in Bentonville.

BENTONVILLE -- More than 100 animal lovers and dozens of dogs walked Saturday through Orchards Park to raise money for local animal shelters.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Larry Gramling of Centeron has his dogs Yukon (left) and King Oberon get a drink Saturday before the start of the Northwest Arkansas Dog Walk at Orchards Park in Bentonville. The event benefited area animal shelters.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Kristin Switzer and her dog lead the start Saturday at the Northwest Arkansas Dog Walk to benefit area animal shelters. The twomile route started at Orchards Park in Bentonville.

The fifth annual NWA Dog Walk raised more than $15,000 this year to be disseminated among the five animal shelters in Benton County, according to Kristin Switzer, the organization's chairwoman.

Fast facts

There are five animal shelters located across Benton County:

• Bella Vista Animal Shelter, 32 Bella Vista Way

• Lone Pine Ranch Animal Shelter, 916 W. Centerton Blvd.

• Rogers Animal Services, 2935 W. Oak St.

• Humane Society for Animals, 407 E. Nursery Road

• Centerton Animal Shelter, 10404 Arkansas 279

Source: Staff Report

"It's the largest pack walk in (Northwest Arkansas)," Switzer said. "The money goes to things like medical care, spay and neutering programs and transportation."

Switzer, a dog trainer, said she started the dog walk in 2012 as a way to bring the community together and raise money for needy animals. But the event's popularity has turned it into a full-blown social gathering -- for pets and people.

"People can mix and mingle with pet sitters, dog groomers and veterinarians," Switzer said.

Making her first trip to the dog walk, Tracey Burner brought her 2-year-old Great Dane, aptly named Godzilla.

"I finally had time to make it," Burner said. "Socializing with humans and animals is the best thing to do (for a dog)."

Burner and her dog drew a small crowd when Godzilla would stand on his hind legs and get face-to-face with Burner. Several people asked for a picture.

The walk began and ended from Orchards Park, winding two miles through playing fields and past the Melvin Ford Aquatic Center. The parade of dogs -- some decorated with bandanas or dyed fur -- distracted several youngsters in a little league baseball game, much to the ire of their coaches.

When the parade ended, participants were given a medal marking this year's event. Dogs took refuge in plastic swimming pools while their owners perused more than 20 booths of pet professionals.

Participants voted to decide which shelter received a $1,000 bonus check. Securing victory by two votes, the Humane Society for Animals in Rogers was the top pick.

But for shelter representatives, giving up a Saturday morning for needy animals is its own reward.

"People get to come out with their dogs and learn about different opportunities in the community," said Robin Heis, director of the Bella Vista Animal Shelter. "And we get to raise funds and awareness for the shelter. It's a great event."

NW News on 06/26/2016

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