Dog lovers come in droves to 2007 Wag N Walk
By Robin Nasby Special to the Acorn

Photos by Iris Smoot POOCH PARADE- Justin McNeely laughs as Ventura, an American pitbull, tries to greet every dog and owner at Rancho Simi Community Park with yips and kisses while she waits for the Wag 'N Walk charity dog walk to begin on Saturday morning. Money raised from the three-mile walk benefits Animal Rescue Volunteers, who help rescue animals from local shelters and adopt them out to new owners. ARV president Kathy Helmkamp (inset) leads the Wag N Walk with ARV mascot and rescue dog Cisco Kid.

Early last Saturday morning, sleepy canine lovers came together at Rancho Simi Community Park to spend time with their pets while supporting a good cause.

Animal Rescue Volunteers, a local nonprofit dedicated to finding homes for abandoned pets, hosted Wag N Walk 2007 on Sept. 29 to raise money and spread awareness of the pet overpopulation in Ventura County.

The three-mile walk around the large Simi Valley park drew around 300 participants, each accompanied by a loving pet companion.

"I love animals and anything I can do for them I will, especially if it's in my own town," said new Simi resident, Lydia Delgado. "I read about the event in the paper, raised over the quota and will definitely go next year."

The annual event has expanded since its inauguration last year, featuring a larger venue, 20 percent more walkers, a dog costume contest and a professional photographer to document the festivities, according to Animal Rescue Volunteers president Kathy Helmkamp.

She said Saturday's turnout bodes well for the future of Wag N Walk in Simi Valley.

"We all need a little more time for rest and relaxation with our dogs and it's a great way for people to support the cause of helping homeless animals find a forever home," she said.

Jan Gordon, who serves as area coordinator of a collie rescue group, praised this year's event.

"This is the largest turnout I've ever seen at a dog walk," said the Thousand Oaks resident. This is a great chance to show all of Ventura County that we love our dogs. They are members of our family, not property."

STRONG GIRL- Panda, an Alapaha blue blood bulldog, wears a weight-lifter costume. She and owner Sandy Schwartz of Simi Valley walked together.

Every walker who raised $100 received a commemorative T-shirt and goody bag, and the top three fundraisers were awarded with large gift baskets.

"I've always been passionate about animal rights and my husband has to be because of me," said Michelle Bubin of Thousand Oaks, the event's second-highest fundraiser with $1,280 raised. "This is our first time doing something like this and we just got lucky having so many generous friends."

Dave and Florence Adams raised the most money at this year's Wag N Walk, bringing in $1,835.

After the walk, many participants entered their pets in the dog costume contest, which gave the less athletic four-legged friends a chance to steal the spotlight.

Canines of all breeds took the stage posing as pirates, pumpkins, pilots and ballerinas. Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse, as well as many other familiar characters, made appearances.

THAT'S THE SPOT- Bonsai, a Shiba Inu puppy, enjoys a nice belly scratching from owner Jonathan Thomas of Oak Park. This year's second annual walk drew nearly 300 participants and raised thousands of dollars in donations.

The doggie models competed for Best Dressed, Most Original, and Funniest Costume titles and left the audience laughing and sighing adoringly.

Animal Rescue Volunteers is an all-volunteer organization that relies solely on private donations and foster homes.

All funds raised at Wag N Walk went directly to benefiting the animals saved by the group, Helmkamp said.

"Our biggest expense by far- about $6,400 per month- is vet bills," Helmkamp said. "Several dogs and cats need costly surgeries, running blood work for sick animals is very expensive, and we purchase and administer the medication ourselves."

The organization rescues, rehabilitates, and places homeless and abused pets in Simi Valley and surrounding communities. Each year more than 190,000 animals are euthanized in the Ventura and Los Angeles County area, according to Helmkamp.

To volunteer with Animal Rescue Volunteers, adopt a pet or to donate to the organization, visit www.arvsimi.org.