CRC Pumpkin Run to Feature Parade for Paws

CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Revitalization Corp. (CRC) is hosting its second fall festival Oct. 13 and adding a new event, a Parade for Paws, during its Pumpkin Run 5K.

During the inaugural Parade for Paws, the Gateway Humane Society of Falls Creek will bring dogs for participants to walk for a one-mile distance during the 5K race Oct. 13.

Holly Bloom, coordinator of the Parade for Paws, said she’s always felt drawn to animals, especially those at various shelters.

“I absolutely love animals,” she said. “I adopted my first pet while I was interning in Washington, D.C. and ever since I feel like it’s my duty to help the sheltered animals in any way I can.

“I think it’s great for people to bring their own animals to be walked and to enjoy the day, but it would be even better to get a sheltered animal out of the kennel for the day. This was [my] thought behind the event. “

When she contacted the Gateway Humane Society, Bloom said they were thrilled and embraced the idea.

To participate in the Parade for Paws and walk a sheltered dog, there is an entry fee of a $10 donation. Half of these proceeds will go directly to the Gateway Humane Society with the remaining half going to the CRC, Bloom explained. With the entry fee, participants will be given a free Parade for Paws T-shirt.

“I am so happy to say that all of the spots to walk a sheltered dog are now full,” Bloom said. “We actually started a waiting list for those still interested.”

Because the Gateway Humane Society is privately-owned, they only have 10 to 12 dogs at one time. But in case there are more dogs at the time of the event, the waiting list will come in handy.

Those attending are encouraged to bring a donation of either a leash or collar, Bloom said. Every dog that is adopted through the Gateway Humane Society will get a free new collar and leash to take with them to their forever home.

State Farm Insurance Agent Rob Bozovich will be donating a 20-pound bag of dog food for each sheltered dog walked the day of the event, in addition to a Visa gift card for more shelter supplies, Bloom said.

Bloom said for her, it’s really hard to visit shelters and see all the animals. Her hope is that people will want to find out more about each animal and what they can do to help them and the shelter.

“My event would be complete if I could get at least one dog adopted that day and have them be taken to their forever home,” Bloom said.

“That would just be the icing on the cake for me. I would love to see all the dogs get adopted and have the shelter van go back to Falls Creek with zero dogs in the van, but I know that is asking a lot. I just want each dog that arrives that day to be excited to be walked and out of the kennel.”

The Parade for Paws can be for someone who may be looking for the new, furriest and shortest member of their family, or for someone who is just looking to see a new event unfold before their eyes. Donations are always accepted, and collars and leashes of all sizes are what are most needed at the shelter.

For more information or to be put on the waiting list for the Parade for Paws, please contact the CRC office at 814-765-6000.

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