Area walk gets pets out and about in support of Oshkosh Humane Society
The sound of paws hitting the pavements signals the beginning of the annual Walk for the Animals. On September 16, at the Sunnyview Expo Center, a crowd of smiling faces, wagging tails, and volunteers from throughout the community lined up to help raise money for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society.
Humane Society Communications and Education Coordinator Cheryl Rosenthal understands the history of this event.
“We have had a walk type fundraiser for at least 29 years,” she said. “It used to be called Shelter Trek and now is called Walk for the Animals.”
Walk for the Animals has now become a way to raise money for the shelter animals and the OAHS. The goal of this fun walk is to raise up to $50,000, with all the money going towards toys, new items, and food the animals at the OAHS might need.
However, this event couldn’t have happened without the help of the community.
“As the Volunteer Coordinator for the past three Walk events, I have partnered with our Communications and Education Coordinator to plan the event, which includes working alongside our volunteers, who are an enormous help,” Small Mammal Coordinator Sarah Stoffergen said. “We would not be able to do the event without our wonderful volunteers.”
Because the OAHS is a nonprofit organization, events such as the Walk for the Animals help provide the shelter pets with a temporary home that is supported by countless volunteers.
“Like many nonprofits, we wanted a fundraiser that would bring animal lovers together,” Stoffregen said. “And the Walk for the Animals does just that. The uniqueness of the fundraiser brings in more people and more money for the cause.”
Not only is this walk for a good cause, but it is an enjoyable experience for both dogs and their owners.
“The walk gives people an opportunity to do something with their dog while supporting animals without a home,” Rosenthal said.
Walkers were accompanied by music playing as people walked and shopped around the event at tables set up. The events offered raffle tickets for gift baskets and a wheel full of different prizes. At some of the areas there were animal themed t-shirts that were available to purchase and other cool trinkets like pet toys, home decor, jewelry, and so much more.
Chris Birkley, a local vendor at Walk with the Animals, enjoys using her skills in collaboration, supporting OAHS.
“My friend actually makes the jewelry,” she said. “I do most of the sewing type items, she's the jewelry and painting type person, so we combine our skills to make a variety of items and then we donate all of our proceeds to the Humane Society.”
From crafts sold by vendors like Birkley, to kind donors, the Oshkosh Humane Society always needs more necessities for all the animals housed in the facilities. But donating isn’t the only way people can help the shelter animals.
“People can help by offering to temporarily foster animals in their home, donate items on the OAHS wish list and most needed list on our website, and volunteer at the shelter after going through volunteer training,” Rosenthal said.
The connection between pet and owner is a strong bond. Many of the volunteers that return year after year come with pets that have been adopted from the OAHS.
“One of my favorite things about our Walk event is getting to see visitors with their animals that they adopted from OAHS,” Stoffregen said. “Getting to see OAHS alumni and their new families is so rewarding.”
However, volunteers don’t even need a pet to participate in the walk. Many walkers come to support the shelter because of their love for animals.
“You don’t need to have or bring a dog or a pet for that matter,” Rosenthal said. “Come enjoy being with people that truly care about animals and their well-being.”
One beloved tradition of the event is the costumes the dogs arrive in.
“My favorite part is seeing all the different dogs, the different breeds, the different sizes, how they interact with each other, and then how they’re dressed up too,” Admissions Manager Ryan Lindhom said.
The workers during Walk for the Animals were both excited to see all the dogs come by and say hello, but also to see the community come together and help out. Without their help, the OAHS wouldn’t have been able to give so many pets a forever home.
“Just seeing all the dogs come out here and all the people that are out here to support the animal shelter and their mission brings me so much joy,” Birkley said.
by Kayden Brandt
Published October 2 2023
Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue I