Carolina Tails Magazine

Paws In The Park

Carolina Tails

Photos: BRENNA WILLIAMS, ALEXANDRA ROSTAD AND DAN KROSSE

More than 1,000 signed up for fundraising walk and run.

“It was cold and wet but aren’t our animals worth it?” That’s how Charleston Animal Society President & CEO Joe Elmore summed up Paws in the Park on November 16th, “This day will stay in all of our memories; that time we got out and walked in the rain for homeless animals in Charleston!”

1,000 runners and walkers signed up for Paws in the Park, held November 16th at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. The walk and 5k run wound its way from the park, through the old Navy base and then back to the park.

“We were excited to see so many hundreds of animal lovers brave the cold and the rain for animals,” said Charleston Animal Society Director of Special Projects & Business Partnerships Elena Lawson.

With every step, participants walked and ran for the abused, hungry and abandoned animals in our community. All of the money raised went to Charleston Animal Society’s medical fund, Toby’s Fund.

This year’s sponsors included: The Rachael Ray Foundation • Crews Subaru Fleet Feet • Minero • Southern Eagle • City of North Charleston

The Fleet Feet arch was the finish line inside the beautiful Riverfront Park in North Charleston.
One police officer along the course lifted runners moods by blowing bubbles of encouragement.
The beautiful oaks along parts of the course offered some shelter from the rain.
Top finishers received gift baskets and engraved water bowls for their doggie athletes.
This pooch had a front row seat in a bike basket for the Paws in the Park course.
The dogs didn’t seem to mind the wet, muddy conditions on November 16.
You could see the look of accomplishment on all of the walkers’ and runners’ faces after they pushed through the 25mph winds to the finish line.
Blind dogs, dogs with three legs, and dogs with other medical conditions all came out to run for Toby’s Fund, Charleston Animal Society’s medical fund!
There were several high fives going around after the walk and run. Many children who participate in running clubs came out for the cause.
Finish line nuzzles were the only prize many of the pooches needed after Paws in the Park.