City of Seattle Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor

NEWS ADVISORY
SUBJECT:   10th Annual Furry 5K set for June 7, 2009 at Seward Park; pre-register online now
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    4/28/2009  2:50:00 AM	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Jordan (206)386-4286 Kara Main-Hester (206)386-4293 Katherine Schubert-Knapp  (206) 684-0909 Kathy Sugiyama  (206) 684-0909

Calling all paws! Furry 5K run/walk to benefit orphaned pets 
Pre-register online for Seattle Animal Shelter’s 10^th annual fun run

The Seattle Animal Shelter’s 10^th annual Furry 5K run/walk will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Seward Park. Each year, the fun run attracts thousand of two-legged runners accompanied by hundreds of four-legged runners. All proceeds directly support the Shelter’s “Help the Animals Fund.” To pre-register online or for more information, go to www.Furry5K.com

The “Help the Animals Fund” was created in 1977 to pay for life-saving veterinary care for sick, injured and abused animals at the Shelter. Many of these animals would have otherwise been euthanized..   As the Shelter’s veterinary needs grew, volunteers started the Furry 5K in 1999 to raise money for the Fund and to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. Last year, the Fund covered nearly $100,000 in veterinary bills.

“The Furry 5K has been a wonderful event for the orphaned animals of the Seattle Animal Shelter. Because of the Furry 5K, we have been able to provide veterinary care to thousands of orphaned animals and have increased animal adoptions by 68 percent over the last three years,” said Shelter Director Don Jordan.

Shelter staff anticipates that this year’s Furry 5K run/walk will draw more than 3,000 people and 1,500 furry canines. The race will begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by festive music, awards and the chance for participants to visit the Pet Expo vendor area. The Furry 5K is one of the few races in the Puget Sound area that encourages participants to run or walk with their dogs.

The Seattle Animal Shelter cares for approximately 7,000 stray and owner-surrendered animals each year. Many of these animals arrive sick and injured from living on the streets; others are seized from abusive or neglectful owners.

The Shelter is located at 2061 15^th Ave. W., about a mile south of the Ballard Bridge. It is open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and from 9 a.m. for licensing. For more information call (206)386-7387, or visit the Web site at www.seattleanimalshelter.org

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Seattle Animal Shelter

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