For Immediate Release

Contact: b j Altschul, APR

240.773.5967
bja@mchumane.org
Main Shelter Information: 240.773.5960

Rockville -– Over 600 animal lovers and their four-legged furry companions are expected to participate in the Montgomery County Humane Society’s annual Paws in the Park on Sunday, June 6, from noon to 4pm at Wheaton Regional Park. Registration begins at noon and the walk itself is at 1pm.

Now in its 12th year, Paws in the Park raises funds to help homeless and abandoned animals in Montgomery County. In addition to the dog walk, individuals and teams enjoy a variety of pet games and contests, the off-leash dog park, a “flealess” market for pet-friendly vendors, food, music, raffles, prizes, the rescue zone and more.

Registration is free and can be done online at mchumane.org or at the event. Walkers can sign on individually or can form a team that includes family or friends, pet caregivers with the same breed of dog, rescue organizations, companies, teams to honor or remember a pet -- even the family cat.

To register and start fundraising online, visit firstgiving.com/mchsmd. To register on the day of the walk, you can also download an individual registration form from the event web page, mchumane.org/Paws10.shtml.

Among the highlights of this year’s event will be free TTouch demonstrations by creator Linda Tellington-Jones. Tellington TTouch® is a positive approach to training that uses specific touches and exercises to help animal companions relax and learn appropriate behaviors more easily. Animals are able to increase their self-confidence in situations they previously found frightening.

Funds raised in conjunction with Paws in the Park help the animals in MCHS’s care by:

•  Promoting adoption of homeless, abandoned and abused animals;
•  Providing educational programs for all ages on responsible pet caregiving;
•  Offering enrichment for the dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds and other animals at the county animal shelter; and
•  Supporting life-saving programs and services such as animal medical care, reduced cost spay/neuter, animal behavior assistance and more.

Advocates for all animals are welcome. For safety reasons, only dogs and no other animals will be permitted to walk, although anyone may join in, with or without a dog. Trails are 1K, 3K, or 5K.

Questions? Call 240.773.5960

Etiquette and Rules:

•  You may register on-site the day of the event starting at 12pm.
•  All dogs must have a current rabies vaccination and must be licensed.
•  All walkers are welcome, with or without a dog.
•  For safety reasons, well-behaved dogs only -- no other pets may walk.
•  All walkers must read and agree to the waiver at check-in.
•  Female dogs in season may not 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 at all times during the event.

About the Montgomery County Humane Society:

The Montgomery County Humane Society in Rockville, MD, 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 handled more than 9,000 animals in 2009, and, as an open admission shelter, never turns an animal away. Visit www.mchumane.org to learn more, or call 240.773.5960 option 4. Hours to visit with the animals are weekdays, noon-7 p.m., and weekends, noon-5 p.m.; closed Wednesdays.

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