NEW CASTLE Dog walk in park will help pay for spay-neuter plan

Proceeds will pay for low-cost spay and neuter programs for pets of low-income people.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- They say every dog has his day. Here it will be May 12.
Promises for Pets, an affiliate of Columbiana County, Ohio-based Angels for Animals, is sponsoring a pet festival and dog walk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Cascade Park to benefit its low-cost spay and neuter and spay-a-stray programs in Lawrence County.
"We are looking for as many people as possible to come out with their dogs and have a good time," said Scott Kaminski, an organizer and member of the Promises for Pets steering committee.
There will be a one-mile walk, demonstrations, pet contests and door prizes.
Breed rescue and pet grief therapy groups, along with the American Red Cross, which offers a course on pet first aid, will be set up in the park.
"Even if you don't have a dog, we want you to come out and walk around. We just want people to enjoy the day and possibly get some autographs," Kaminski said.
Celebrity judges: Local rocker Donnie Iris, New Castle Mayor Timothy Fulkerson and Cheryl Brkich, Amber's mom from "Survivor II," will be among the celebrity judges looking for the dog in the best costume and the best tail wagger and judging "stupid pet tricks."
Pittsburgh news anchors and local politicians will also be on hand.
Admission is free, but those participating in the one-mile walk are asked get sponsors to benefit Promises for Pets programs.
The organization formed earlier this year to help combat the pet overpopulation in Lawrence County. The group is planning to eventually build The Promise Place, a no-kill animal shelter that will provide jobs for people with disabilities.
Promises has spayed or neutered 30 dogs and cats since starting its low-cost program in January, Kaminski said.
They hope to hold the pet festival and walk each year to help fund that program, he said.
Anyone raising $25 or more will get a free T-shirt.
Sponsor sheets are available at most Lawrence County veterinarian offices or by calling (724) 924-9645.
There will be door prizes and Chinese auctions as well as dog food samples, coupons and things donated by local businesses and dog-food makers.
"Everybody will have a chance to win a prize, take a walk with their dog, and hopefully they will enjoy it so much they will do it more often," Kaminski said.
No female dogs in heat are permitted and all dogs should be on leashes and have current vaccinations.