Residents and Pets Participate in Paws for a Cause Walk

The Bayport-Blue Point Community Lions Club recently hosted its fifth annual Walk to benefit America's Vet Dogs, a not-for-profit organization that trains dogs and pairs them with disabled American Veterans. The club expected to raise approximately $3,000 this walk, which is what they raised at the event in 2009.

The 2.5 mile walk kicked off from the  at 9:30 a.m., then trailed south to , and concluded back at the fire house.

According to the local Lions Club President, Elizabeth Kirkland, this walk is meant to increase the public's knowledge of America's Vet Dogs and serves as a fundraiser for the organization.

"Our goal is to raise money to support America's Vet Dogs so they can train and provide service dogs for our vets," Kirkland said about the purpose of the event, "It's also to raise awareness." 

Approximately 80 people came to walk for the cause, which enlisted 43 official sponsors, including the , located across from the fire department in Blue Point, which donated the breakfast given to participants in the morning.

Joan Weissman, who chairs the Lions Club committee that plans the Paws for a Cause Walk, said that this year's walk was the club's most successful so far. "The community has been wonderful in its support," she said, "It's tough economic times and people are still generous."

The walk cost participants $10 and bought them a tee-shirt and breakfast, as well as the opportunity to walk. In addition to the walkers that day, many community members dropped-off checks or sent them to the Lions Club to help raise money for the cause.

The walk coincided with Halloween this year, an unintentionally chosen date that led many people to dress up in costume or even dress their dogs in costume. Dogs were welcome to walk, but that was not a requirement.

"We want to show everyone that we can raise money and still have a good time," said Nancy Blomberg, who was dressed as Lady Gaga and walked with her dog, Murphy.

Dogs could also be seen dressed as pumpkins, fairies, bumblebees and even doctors. Participant Jocelyn Schukal of Oakdale said that she put Halloween-themed bows on her dogs to show spirit for the cause.

Litter Sisters Julie, Ebbie and Francesca- Chesapeake bay-retriever-lab-mixes were posing for pictures in front of the after the walk ended. Three co-workers adopted the litter sisters, and according to Julie's owner, Sue Kuper, the trio enjoys spending time with their dogs together. "We love to do things with the dogs, and this walk is nice because we wanted to contribute," she said.