By Sarah Folmar, Brand Communications Specialist
Participants at the 2013 K9 Cancer Walk
On Sunday, September 22, 2013, PetSafe had the incredible opportunity to sponsor the K9 Cancer Walk in Knoxville, TN. The annual event raises money to benefit Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to donating funds to the advancement of veterinary medicine. We had close to 450 people who attended the walk. 450 people who wanted to show their support and help raise money to fight canine cancer, a disease that affects nearly 50 percent of all dogs at some point in their lives. 450 people who took the time to care.
Sometimes we forget that very basic human response. Caring. We lead such busy lives these days that many of us have become egocentric without even realizing it. This was my second year participating, and I have been so impressed with the dedication and passion from the attendees and volunteers. So many people had lost a dog to this terrible disease, and they showed up in an effort to make sure this doesn’t happen to someone else.
Dogs even strolled around at the event!
This pair seemed to be having a great time.
The day’s events raised around $40,000. Different teams from around Knoxville did their part to get co-workers, family members and friends to donate to the cause. The different teams were recognized at the event for their fundraising efforts and for showing their team spirit.
Our walk leader, Leela, with her wonderful owners.
Our walk leader, Leela, was a rescue dog who had suffered from cancer in her eye. After different organizations came together to raise money for her surgery, Leela’s cancer had only a 5 percent chance of spreading. She was adopted by a wonderful couple in Knoxville, and she stood happy and strong at the event.
Different organizations were able to set up tents and booths to show the attendees what they could offer their pets. Our PetSafe tent drew in a great crowd, and we even had Easy Walk® Harness and Gentle Leader® Headcollar fittings for dogs that attended. It was incredible to see the transformation of some of the dogs. Some would walk up and start jumping all over other dogs while pulling their owners. By the end of the walk they would be completely calm. As if they were entirely different dogs.
Seneca shows off her Gentle Leader Headcollar.
Seneca, a very energetic and loving pit bull rescue, has used her Gentle Leader® Headcollar for years, and her owner says it has allowed Seneca to go for public walks without happily jumping all over people she encounters. Seneca tried the Easy Walk® Harness at the walk after being fitted, and both products have now given her owner a better experience taking her out on walks.
Other tents included veterinary hospitals, grooming facilities and rescue organizations, and the walk participants got some great freebies and information about pets. While the event has ended for 2013, I’m sure we’ll be busy planning for next year soon! 
Walk attendees stopped by our PetSafe tent for some goodies![/caption] Other photos of the 2013 walk can be found here.
