Walkers in the 2011 Pawz to Run Dog Walk

Here’s a weekend outing that also helps a good cause: The second annual Pawz Too Run 5K, 10K and Dog Walk is scheduled this Saturday, April 14, at the Village Green in Davidson. Proceeds will help Friends of the Animals build a state-of-the art animal adoption and education center and spay/neuter clinic off I-77 Exit 31 in Mooresville.

The race and other festivities will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Green, Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 7:45. The 5K and 10K begin at 8, and the Dog Walk begins at 8:30.

Patrice Reynolds, executive director of Friends of the Animals, said 150 runners and walkers already have registered and registrations are still being accepted. She’s expecting “well over 200″ Saturday. “It’s doubled in size from last year in many ways,” she said.

The Besides the running and walking, Pawz Too Run will have 30 vendors on the Green for the day. They’ll include shops, pet services and representatives from shelters and rescue organizations. Also planned are contests for best dog costume, best groomed and most inspiring.

Joanna Copio

Pawz Too Run is organized again this year by Cannon School ninth grader Joanna Copio. She’s been working with Friends of the Animals, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote responsible pet ownership, provide low cost spay/neuter services and promote adoption of homeless pets.

Info and registration, www.friendsoftheanimals.net

RELATED COVERAGE

Jan. 23, 2012, “Second annual Pawz Too Run event set for April 14″

April 4, 2011, “Local family raises $5K for homeless animals”

Feb. 15, 2011, “Cannon student organizes drive to help animals” – The story behind the first Pawz Too Run last year.