HAMLET — Dog owners are invited to bring their canine companions out to Main Street Park early Saturday for the third annual Walk and Wag.
Mechelle Preslar, director of community engagement, told the RO in 2022 that the inspiration for the event was both her love for animals and the desire for an event where animals are welcome — “but at the same time ask for donations to help the ‘less fortunate’ animals that haven’t been lucky enough to find their forever home.”
The pet-friendly event, which runs from 9 a.m.-noon, will include a walk from the park to the Hamlet Public Library and back, as well as a pet parade with prizes for the “cutest costumes.” Entry is $10.
Click here to see photos from the 2023 Walk and Wag.
The Richmond County Animal Shelter will also be on site with dogs ready for adoption and will be accepting donations of pet food, cat litter, cleaning supplies and other items.
K2 Solutions has been in charge of managing the shelter for nearly three years, however the contract expires June 30. The county announced earlier this year that the contract would not be renewed. Click here to read that story.
Proceeds from the Walk and Wag will benefit the shelter, the Humane Society of Richmond County and Richmond County Operation Fix.
Formerly Richmond County Animal Advocates, the organization changed its name and mission several years ago to focus on controlling the unwanted pet population by helping owners get their animals spayed and neutered.
As of April 2, the organization had fixed 351 animals since January of 2023, including 136 in the first three months of this year.
In December, R.C. Operation Fix was gifted a van — dubbed the “neuter scooter” — by Griffin Dodge to help transport animals to the clinic. This week, the van was outfitted with the organization’s logo and sponsors.
Dairy Queen in Rockingham recently hosted a fundraiser for Operation Fix, raising $600, which was matched by Broad Street Jewelry and Loan. The annual Spayghetti dinner brought in $3333.54 (after expenses) for the cause.
