Sign up for this year’s Furry 5K here!
The best part of the Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk varies depending on who you ask. For many of us it’s simple: the dogs and their people. For others, it’s seeing the strength of the animal welfare community coming together to support such an important cause.
But for some, the best part is that it saved their life. Although they wouldn’t be able to tell you that.
In 2022, the Furry 5K made possible 226 veterinary visits for 135 animals, and many more lab tests and prescriptions in support of that.
The event raised $115,000, which goes specifically to the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) “Help the Animals” fund.
“As opposed to grant funding for behavior or foster programs, this fund goes into the ‘Help the Animals’ fund, so it is more nimble for the SAS,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Deputy Director Jocelyn Bouchard. “That’s one way it’s different, and that’s a positive thing. If we have a large impound or an urgent medical need, we can access it right away,” she said.
In 2022, most of the funds were used for vet costs, because the shelter was without a veterinarian so needed more external support. Some money went back into the foster program for reimbursements to foster homes for supplies, and toward the purchase of leashes and collars, and cardboard carriers to send cats to their forever homes. It also helped support the Canine Corral, where the shelter dogs are exercised.
“This fund was invaluable this past year. There was one surgery in particular, an orthopedic surgery for Styx, who needed both his front legs splinted,” Jocelyn said.
Styx was rescued when he was injured but thanks to multiple treatments funded by the Help the Animals Fund and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation he was adopted and is well on his way to a full recovery.
For Styx and all the other animals helped by past Furry 5Ks, there’s a lot to love about the event. And for attendees, no matter what your favorite part, you’ll find it this year.
“The thing that always stands out … is everybody and their dogs. It’s just the best,” she said. “And it’s an opportunity to get together with like-minded people, support a great cause and see a bunch of cute animals.”
Sign up for this year’s Furry 5K here!