CAMDEN — Get outdoors, have fun and do good. Join the pack. P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center is planning its annual P.A.W.S. on Parade Walk-A-Thon Saturday, May 14, at City Park, Northport Ave., Belfast, and on Saturday, May 21, at Maine Coast Heritage Trusts' Erickson Fields at 124 West St., (aka Route 90), Rockport. Registration for both events begins at 9:30 a.m. with walking from 10 a.m. to noon. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

This dog-friendly community fundraising event benefits the many homeless cats and dogs awaiting their forever homes at P.A.W.S. Participants, alone or in a "pack" of friends, family or co-workers, are welcome. Participants raising $50 or more receive a P.A.W.S. T-shirt designed by photographer and graphic designer, Jane Kurko. T-shirts will also be available for general purchase. Registration, tools for individual and team fundraising and pledge sheets are available online at pawsadoption.org. Children 5 and under are free; $10 for kids under 17; and $15 over 18.

"This year, we're also reaching out to schools. Including young students has guided our choice of venue for both events. We wanted sites where kids could walk freely, with or without their pets. Belfast City Park and Erickson Fields fit that need perfectly," said Paula Coyne, P.A.W.S Director of Development, in a news release.

"We want the Belfast community to be aware they can reach out to us as a resource for pet adoption or a place to bring a lost or relinquished cat or dog. For us, this event is an opportunity to get to know pet lovers from the Belfast-Northport areas," says Tracy Ann Lord, P.A.W.S Outreach Coordinator.

"Childhood is the perfect time to nurture deep-rooted qualities of empathy, compassion and generosity through community service. Children understand and care deeply about animals. Have you ever met a child who doesn't coo over a kitten? Caring for a pet teaches children so much about responsibility and commitment. This event is a springboard for cultivating those qualities," continued Coyne.
Other festivities during the event include a bake sale, ice cream, face painting, popcorn and prizes for the top fundraisers.

P.A.W.S Animal Adoption Center, 123 John Street, serves 10 communities along the mid-coast: Camden, Rockport, Hope, Islesboro, Lincolnville, Northport, Belfast, Liberty, Swanville, and Searsmont.

For more information go to pawsadoption.org or email us at info@pawsadoption.org