I have an aunt who is the definition of “crazy dog lady.” Really this could apply to all animals, her main focus is her dogs though. At any given time she has at least five furry friends. I think she has a cat or two on top of it, probably a rabbit, maybe a horse or a peacock too I don’t know. Her love for animals is contagious. Or perhaps I should say genetic, as I too have been called a crazy animal lady. My aunt has been participating in the Animal Humane Society’s Walk for Animals annually for as long as I can remember. She raises donations. She recruits team members. She invites friends to the walk that don’t even own a pet but that help her wrangle hers for the walk. After Willie came into my life, she got me involved too. It is a tradition I have with Willie that is so much fun and an opportunity to raise funds for an organization that in my opinion is so deserving.
The following is an excerpt from the Animal Humane Society’s “About AHS” portion of their website (2024):
Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help nearly 100,000 animals in need across Minnesota. As one of the nation’s leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere. AHS is more than a shelter. We are the first choice for families who must rehome a beloved pet and a second chance for animals who have nowhere else to go. In addition to helping animals find loving homes, AHS provides services and support to help people keep and care for the animals they love, from behavior and training classes to low-cost veterinary care, temporary pet housing, and food support. Plus, we work with individuals and organizations across Minnesota and beyond, advocating for the health and safety of animals, no matter where they are.
The Walk for Animals takes place rain or shine (and it’s about 50/50) at the end of April or beginning of May depending on the year. It is about a 5K in length. The walk used to take place at one of AHS’ four locations, in Golden Valley, MN. More recently the venue has changed to the MN State Fairgrounds. It is QUITE the event. Animal enthusiasts, news crews, and vendors of all kinds participate. You can shop for anything from gifts for the other animal lovers in your life, to swag for yourself or your dog, to a boarding place for when you need that adults only vacation: no children or pets invited. There is also food to be had and live music to enjoy. Oh, and if you’re thinking about going, bring a backpack, because there is no shortage of free gifts for your furry friends from the vendors either!
So, I thought there was no better way to kick off Willie’s bucket list than to start with our annual tradition of the Walk for Animals. There was a slight hiccup though, the walk in 2023 landed on one of my best friend’s first wedding anniversary, for which they were having an all weekend get together in Wisconsin. So, I improvised, and another friend Ashley and I met with our fur babies (who are besties by the way) at a local walking trail and did our own walk. Luckily, I had had some practice in this. During Covid, the Walk for Animals was made virtual for the years of 2020 and 2021. Aside from feeling good about raising money for a cause I believe in, and enjoying the crap out of it, participating in the Walk for Animals over the years has been another thing that’s showed me the goodness in people, both in general and the people in my circle. The amount of people that show up to the walk with both monetary support and enthusiasm (I’m talking costumes, dog raincoats, and allll the selfie sticks) is incredible. The support I’ve felt from the people in my life has blessed me beyond words. Aside from meeting my aunt at the walk each year, several of my friends have attended the walk with me. All three of the years that I had to do the walk virtually, Willie and I were never alone. And I might be the worst fundraiser, possibly ever. But I put something up on snapchat this year and people that I speak to twice a year ended up donating. So, with the support of many loved ones, Willie kicked off his bucket list on a drizzly Saturday in April, 2023!
