By JENNIFER PETERS
OBSERVER Correspondent
On a hot, summer day, the dogs were out for the 8th Annual Pat McGee Memorial Dog Walk-a-Thon at Point Gratiot Saturday. The mile-long Dog walk-a-thon is sponsored by the Lakeshore Humane Society.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Jennifer Peters
Karene “Kay” Gora, member of the Lakeshore Humane Society since 2001, brought her foster dog, Gracie, to the 8th Annual Pat McGee Memorial Dog Walk-a-Thon at Point Gratiot Saturday.
McGee, former New York state senator, was involved in getting Buster's Law, aimed at improving the state's cruelty to animals law, into effect. This walk continues every year in her honor of her dedication to animals.
Patty Mead, who brought her dogs Bob and Riley, attended the walk-a-thon for their second year in a row.
"I got Riley here last year," she said. "We don't have a dog park here, so it's great for them to get that interaction with other dogs."
Scott Cameron and Marie Moriarty brought their dogs Cuno, Ichabod and Bumbles on the dog walk.
"We love fostering dogs," Moriarty said. "We foster quite a few dogs, and it's great to get to see them all today."
The dogs were able to stop along the way to rest and have a drink of water. After the walk, there were raffles and prizes for best trick, prettiest eyes, best smile and more. It was a fun way for the dogs to interact with other dogs and win some tasty treats.
Rock Vallone, president of the Lakeshore Humane Society and a member since 1980, is very involved in caring for animals.
"I've always loved dogs," Vallone stated. "Now, I only foster one at a time, but I used to take care of 30 stray cats, which are at the adoption center now."
The LHS has around 30 people that come to the meetings, plus the other volunteer workers. Karene "Kay" Gora began fostering in 2002. To foster an animal, an adoption application required as well as a pre-home visit to make sure that the animals will be secure in their new home.
"I consider the foster dogs part of my family," Gora explained. "There are great people here and I love doing fun things like this."
To pay tribute to a pet, person or organization LHS now offers remembrance bricks for purchase, which also supports LHS. For more information go to lakeshorehumanesociety.org.
There is an upcoming yard sale on Aug. 18 and 19 at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, which provides funds used to help LHS.
The new Lakeshore Humane Society Adoption Center at 431 East Chestnut St. in Dunkirk will open on the weekend of Sept. 15. LHS continues to raise funds for animals in need, and their providing them with caring owners and place to call their home.
